Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today urged all communities in Malaysia to uphold mutual understanding and respect as a foundation for national harmony and unity. In his Pongal greeting to the Tamil community, he highlighted that despite differences in views, backgrounds or beliefs, the spirit of togetherness must continue to be strengthened to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar expressed his hopes that the Pongal celebrations are observed with joy, harmony, and meaningful moments with family and loved ones. He emphasized that the festival serves as a reminder of the values of gratitude, togetherness, and mutual respect. Anwar noted that Pongal, a Tamil harvest festival, not only marks gratitude for abundant harvests but also signals the start of the Thai month in the Tamil calendar.

The four-day celebration begins with Bhogi, followed by Thai Pongal, which involves offering sweet rice to the Sun God. This is succeeded by Mattu Pongal, honoring livestock, and concludes with Kaanum Pongal, dedicated to family reunions.