TO ensure that the ‘Tamilar Thirunaal’ festival would be remembered by the younger generation, a celebration was held yesterday at Taman Berjaya in Nibong Tebal, Penang, where it drew a few hundred people of various races and religions.
“I strongly hope that the relationship between the various races could be further strengthened with this kind of festive occasion,” Jawi assemblyman H’ng Mooi Lye said in his speech.
“It is the duty of every Malaysian, irrespective of race and religion, to keep building respect for each other in our multireligious nation. Relentless efforts must be made by everyone to promote a culture of peace, harmony and unity.
“The celebration not only enhances the close friendship, spirit and harmony among multiracial communities in the Nibong Tebal parliamentary constituency but also enhances knowledge of Indian culture, tradition and heritage.
“I believe that such effort in bringing back this cultural celebration among our community would be a good exposure to our younger generation. It should be celebrated annually here to preserve the Indian culture and traditions.”
‘Tamilar Thirunaal,’ introduced by Indian community leaders in the country in 1952 to unite the Indians, is also to inculcate loyalty and patriotism of the Indian community as they celebrate arts, culture and heritage.
The function started with a group of dancers performing traditional folk dances, such as mayilattam (peacock dance), koolattam (dance with two sticks), karagaattam (dancing with pot on head), barathanatyam (Tamil classical dance).
While children were excited with their colouring contest, the adults took part in the Pongal pot beautifying competition.
Making the pongal and kolam (drawings with rice flour) brings out the creativity of women besides encouraging social interaction.
The auspicious event, which started in the afternoon till about 7pm, gave the Nibong Tebal residents a whale of a time.
Story by K. Thaarshenii
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis