For the first time, PHA jointly organised a Thala Ponggal celebration with the Rokkumalai Sri Muniswarar Bathrakaliamman Temple in Air Itam for couples brought together through the programme. Although it was their second Ponggal celebration, they were excited to celebrate with other couples. Goldsmith S. Prakash, 46, said space constraints mean his family now uses a gas stove, but they still cook Ponggal in clay pots. Uma, with one of the colourful Ponggal pots for sale at the shop in Little India, Ipoh. Fellow trader P. Prabhu, 32, said customers prefer clay pots as a way to stay connected to their roots.

Source: The Star January 15, 2026 02:49 UTC