Getting ready for Ponggal: Letchimy buying pots with her granddaughter Ashwitha in Little India. — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
Store owners looking forward to brisk business this Ponggal and Thaipusam
KUALA LUMPUR: The colourful Little India area in Brickfields is getting a greater dash of white and yellow as the Ponggal and Thaipusam celebrations near.
Ponggal, the harvest festival, will be celebrated on Monday while Thaipusam will be on Jan 25 and store owners are expecting to see an increase in footfall and sales.
Most shops are now lined with decorated white clay pots – which are used to make the sweet rice on Ponggal – and yellow clothing worn by the faithful when they fulfil their vows.
Grocery store manager Jahir, 44, said the shop had stocked up to prepare for the festive season.
“We have pots for Ponggal and more rice and milk. It will be very busy over the weekend,” he said.
Some shops are also setting up small booths outside to display items such as sugarcane, firewood and wooden spoons.
Florist Saraswathy, 62, who has been making and selling garlands for 20 years, said sales would triple during this period.
“Usually, people will buy flower garlands two days before Ponggal and around 10 days before Thaipusam.
“Many people from different parts of Klang Valley will come here to buy them,” she added.
Another festive item is the yellow clothing which is worn during Thaipusam.
A boutique cashier who wanted to be known only as Sashi said they had stocked more yellow clothing along with some festive sarees.
“We are expecting more people to buy new clothing for the festivities,” she said.
Yesterday, shoppers were already converging on Little India.
Letchimy, 65, came from Serdang looking to buy pots, rice and other grocery items, with her grandchild Ashwitha, 15, in tow.
“Little India is a good place because I can buy everything I need in one place,” she said.
Although Ponggal will be celebrated on Monday, it is actually a four-day festival that, will start on Sunday this year.
