Malaysian Festivals

Originally celebrated almost exclusively by the Tamil farming community, Thai Pongal has now become an important festival even among non-farming Hindu communities in towns and urban areas, who would like to let some 'sunshine' into their lives. They like to make a fresh start in the New Year. Thai Pongal is the first festival in the calendar year and gives them the opportunity to do so in a traditional manner.



Houses are cleaned and decorated. People buy new clothes. They get married - it is considered a good time astrologically to do so. There is generally an air of joy and festivity.