Pupils waiting for the milk in the earthen pot to boil over during the Ponggal celebration.
THE shouting of “Ponggolo Pongal” was heard all over SJK (T) Subramaniya Barathee in Gelugor, Penang, as the pupils and teachers celebrated the Ponggal harvest festival.
SJK (t) Subramaniya Barathee pupils proudly showing their artwork after a colouring session during the Ponggal celebration at the school. — Photos: LIM BEnG tatt/the Star
To help the pupils better understand their roots and culture, the school ensured that the event was carried out like how it would be traditionally celebrated in India.
The pupils showing their creativity in painting earthen bowls.
The pupils, dressed in traditional attire, picked up skills on folding thoranam (hanging decorations) using coconut leaves, drawing kolam on the ground and painting earthen pots.
A girl trying to string a flower garland.
Wood fire was set up on the school grounds, with sugarcane stalks tied and placed around it.
The children learning how to fold the ‘thoranam’.
An earthen pot was filled with milk and placed over the fire as the pupils and teachers gathered around it.
As the milk boiled and overflowed, there were loud cheers from those gathered.
Teachers joining the pupils in creating a kolam.
An overflowing of milk signifies a bountiful harvest, prosperity, good luck and blessings for the year ahead.
They also performed prayers and made offerings to the sun god, Lord Surya, at the end of the celebration.
