Pongal celebration strengthens cultural unity in Bintulu

BINTULU (Jan 20): This year’s Pongal celebration, organised by the Bintulu Indian Association (BIA), was successfully held on Jan 18 at Tanjung Batu Beach here, drawing about 100 participants to a full-day cultural programme.

Now in its fourth consecutive year in Bintulu, the annual celebration reflects BIA’s continued commitment to preserving Indian cultural traditions while fostering unity within the town’s multiracial community.

BIA president Dr Sivashunmugam Sangaran said the Pongal celebration has added meaningful cultural depth to Bintulu’s diverse social fabric.

“Organising the festival annually has helped to foster greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of Indian cultural heritage among the wider community,” he said, adding that such initiatives contribute positively to harmony in Bintulu’s multicultural society.

One of the main highlights was the communal cooking of Pongal, a traditional rice dish made from newly harvested rice, milk and jaggery.

The symbolic ritual represents gratitude to the sun, nature and farmers for a bountiful harvest, and created a lively and inclusive atmosphere as participants gathered to prepare and share the dish.

The programme also featured traditional games, cultural interactions and informal community activities that encouraged participation across different age groups, strengthening social interaction and community bonds.

Event director Goobinathan Mohan welcomed participants, including members of the local Indian community, students and the wider public.

He expressed appreciation for the continuous support received over the years and emphasised the importance of sustaining the celebration annually.

“I hope future celebrations can be organised on a larger scale to attract greater participation and further promote cultural exchange,” he said.

Pongal is a traditional harvest festival celebrated by the Indian community, particularly Tamils, to mark the beginning of the harvest season.

It is dedicated to expressing gratitude to the sun, nature, farm animals and farmers, and is traditionally observed through prayers, food preparation and community gatherings.