Published: Saturday February 2, 2013 MYT 10:26:00 PM
Updated: Saturday February 2, 2013 MYT 10:30:02 PM
Thousands attend Ponggal at Dataran Merdeka
An aerial view of the crowd at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday night. Starpix by S.S KANESAN KUALA LUMPUR: Every Ponggal, S. Suresh wished for a celebration with a large gathering of people
The 49-year-old said while it was nice celebrating the event at home with family members, a large gathering would enable people to meet other.
His wish came true when he joined tens of thousands at the Ponggal Unity Festival at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday night.
“I often wished for the chance to meet other people celebrating the event to share the Ponggal spirit,” he said.
Suresh left for Dataran Merdeka with some 80 people from his hometown in Pedas, Negri Sembilan early in the morning, arriving at 4.30pm.
“This event is a good chance for Malaysian Indians to show their unity. I hope this will be done annually, and that we will also get leave for Ponggal,” he said.
The event, organised by the MIC with the co-operation of the Federal Territory Indian Development Foundation, featured traditional performances by local and Indian artistes.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, MIC president Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, and former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu joined in the celebrations.
Among the early birds were cousins Divya Gunaperasam, Yugeswari Nadesan and Tharani Arumugam, who caught a bus from Butterworth, Penang.
“We have been looking forward to performances from the local artistes, as we only hear their music on radio but never seen them perform live,” said Divya, 16.
The three described the event as “very enjoyable” and were pleased to have made the trip.
University student S. Kaveshantini, 21, from Shah Alam said the celebration was different from the usual cooking of sweet rice at home.
“Here it feels like Thaipusam, where many people gather in the spirit of celebration and unity,” said Kaveshantini, who was accompanied by her mother K. Sumathi.
Datuk David Arumugam, Datuk DJ Dave and Mista G wowed the crowd with songs. The event ended with a float parade and fireworks display.
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