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The Tamil, Malayalee and Sikh communities across Malaysia are preparing to usher in their respective New Year celebrations - Chittirai Puthandu, Vishu and Vaisakhi - tomorrow.
The Tamil New Year, also known as ‘Visuvaavasu’, will commence at 5.07 am, according to the Malaysian Hindu Sangam.
Its president, Thanga Ganesan said the Tamil New Year falls under the auspicious 'Krothi' year in the Hindu calendar and begins on the 30th day of the Tamil month of Panguni (Sunday, April 13).
The date is considered sacred due to several important astrological alignments, including a favourable moon phase, the Swathi star, and a special planetary position known as Amrita Yoga.
"The auspicious time to observe the Tamil New Year, known as Vishu Punniya Kaalam, will be from 5.07 am to 1.07 pm on April 14," he said in a statement.
He added that during this sacred period, Malaysian Hindus are encouraged to perform the ritual bath (mangala snanam) in medicated water (marunthu neer), wear white clothing with a touch of red and celebrate the new year with joy and devotion.
Meanwhile, All Malaysia Malayalee Association (AMMA) president Dr Manohar Kurup said Vishu signifies the start of the Malayalam calendar year and symbolises renewal, prosperity and the preservation of cultural heritage.
“A key element of the celebration is the Vishukkani, a sacred arrangement featuring items such as gold, fruits, rice and holy texts placed before a statue of Lord Krishna. This first sight of the day is believed to bring luck and abundance for the year ahead.
“Families rise early to witness the Vishukkani, followed by the tradition of Vishukaineettam, where elders gift money as blessings to the younger generation,” he told Bernama.
Other enduring customs include visits to temples, prayers for prosperity and the preparation of the Vishu Sadya - a grand vegetarian feast served on banana leaves.
“The meal, which includes parboiled rice, sambar and payasam, reflects the values of abundance and gratitude,” he added.
Manohar said community gatherings will be held nationwide, including one hosted by the Selangor & Federal Territory Malayalee Association (SFTMA) in Bangsar to promote cultural unity.
This year’s Vishu holds additional significance as AMMA prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in August.
“A grand luncheon is planned at the IDCC Convention Centre in Shah Alam, with 2,000 attendees expected, and we hope to have the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) as the guest of honour. This milestone event will honour the contributions of the Malayalee community in Malaysia,” he said.
On the Sikh celebration of Vaisakhi, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia president Paramjeet Singh Jai Singh said preparations are underway at about 130 gurdwaras nationwide.
He said preparations for Vaisakhi include the Sri Akhand Path, a continuous reading of the Sikh holy scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Jodh Melas, which are gatherings for spiritual talks and prayers.
“All gurdwaras are getting ready for lively celebrations, which will feature Kirtan Darbar (devotional singing), langar (community meals) and various programmes such as blood donation drives, health screenings and children’s activities,” he said.
For Sikhs, Vaisakhi marks a historic moment - the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, which united Sikhs into a strong spiritual and social community with a distinct identity.
The Khalsa was created to defend justice, protect the vulnerable and uphold the core teachings of Sikhism.
“Those who join the Khalsa go through a special ceremony called Amrit Sanskar and commit to following the Five Ks - Kes (uncut hair), Kangha (wooden comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kachera (cotton undergarments), and Kirpan (small sword),” he added.
“Men take the name ‘Singh’, meaning lion, while women take the name ‘Kaur’, meaning princess, reflecting the values of equality and bravery,” he said, expressing hope that this Vaisakhi will bring prosperity, happiness and good health to the Sikh community.
The Thai community, meanwhile, will be observing the Songkran, the Thai New Year, today.
Celebrating Various Festivals Strengthens Unity - Aaron
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang urged all Malaysians to make various festivals in the country a platform to know, respect and understand each other in the spirit of ‘harmony in diversity’.
Citing the Songkran festival celebrated by the Siamese community today, he said that the Siamese culture was part of the country’s cultural fabric that enriched Malaysia’s identity as a multicultural country, adding that his ministry always recognised and celebrated the heritage and culture of various races in Malaysia.
“I would like to wish Happy Songkran and a Happy Siamese New Year to the Siamese community in Malaysia, especially to over 43,071 Malaysians of Siamese descent who are part of the Malaysian family.
“Songkran not only marks the start of the new year for the Thai traditional calendar, but represents purifying oneself and love towards the family. It reflects the human values that form a vital core in the building of a harmonious nation-state,” he posted on Facebook.
Songkran, known as the water festival, is a three-day celebration of Thailand’s New Year, and falls on April 13 annually. – April 13, 2025