Tamil New Year and Vaisakhi: 'Celebrate special days together'
2010/04/14
By R. Sittamparam news@nst.com.my KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the more Malaysians know about each other, the more they would come to admire the very rich and strong cultures that all races in the country have.
<center> </center> "Despite the diversity in form and shape, the common values underpinning our different cultures means that we also have much in common with each other.
"In the spirit of 1Malaysia, let us all take the opportunity to celebrate these special days together," he wrote in his blog when ushering in the Hindu New Year and the Vaisakhi festival which will be celebrated by the Sikh community in the next two days, beginning yesterday.
"This special day is known by many names; to the Tamils, it is Puthandu, and this day marks the year known as Vikruthi, while to the Malayalees, it is known as Vishu.
"Furthermore, Malaysia's Sikh community will be celebrating Vaisakhi today which commemorates the birth of the Khalsa -- the most important event for Sikhs the world over.
"I take this opportunity to wish all Hindus a very Happy New Year and to all Sikhs, a very Happy Vaisakhi and hope you are able to share these auspicious days with family and friends.
(From left): Harbhajan Singh, Balbir Singh, Sarjit Kaur, Awtar Kaur and Utam Kaur putting a final touch to the decorations at the Gurdwara Sahib in Buntong, Ipoh for the Vaisakhi celebrations. — NST picture by Ikhwan Munir
"As has been our practice as Malaysians, these festivals are a time for all of us to know and understand each other better.
"The more we know about each other, the more we will come to admire the very rich and strong cultures that we all have.
"I, once again, wish all Malaysian Hindus in Malaysia all the very best in the New Year. To Malaysian Sikhs, my warmest greetings to all of you on the occasion of Vaisakhi.
"I also hope that many Malaysians will join me and the Malaysian Sikh community at the 1Malaysia Vaisakhi open house celebrations in Ipoh on Friday, April 23," he said.
MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu said the coming year would be a good year for the Indian community as it promised several new initiatives, not only through the New Economic Model but also the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP).
He said Najib had pledged to adopt inclusiveness in fostering a sense of belonging with no group feeling marginalised.
"The establishment of an Equal Opportunities Commission under the NEM to address any discrimination of a particular group is a step in the right direction.
"The prime minister is committed and genuine in addressing the woes of the various communities. In return, we must give him undivided support to see the NEM through."
MIC vice-president Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam, in extending his New Year wishes, said MIC had submitted strong recommendations to the government for the community to be included in the 10th Malaysia Plan.
The MIC will assist the community to achieve these objectives, he added.
Members of the Indian community buying fruits and vegetables in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, to cook vegetarian meals for the Tamil New Year. — NST picture by Sairien Nafis
Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of national unity and performance management, said the spirit of the celebrations should be sustained throughout the year.
Day of prayers, activities
People of Tamil and Sikh origins will celebrate their respective new years, Varsha Pirappu and Vaisakhi today.
Malayalees, however, will celebrate their new year -- Vishu -- tomorrow.
Tamils will celebrate the birth of the new year, Vikirthi, at 8.01am today. The day marks the start of the Chithirai month in the 5111th year of the Hindu calendar in the Kaliyuga age.
Malaysia Hindu Archagar Sangam president, Siva Sri R. Nithiyanantha Gurukkal said one should the start day with a bath using the holy water, Maruthu Neer.
"The holy water can be obtained at all major temples," he said. "For this auspicious occasion, one should dress in green and red, and for luck, wear emerald and coral jewellery."
Nithiyanantha said Hindus should also observe certain Kanni rituals at beginning of the day, such as looking at their own self in the mirror or at cheerful images.
"They should also view auspicious objects such as the light of a ghee lamp and the Poorana Kumbham made by placing a coconut on mango leaves arranged in the mouth of a pot filled with turmeric water."
He said prayers would be held at homes and at the temples for the prosperity of the nation and families.
"The auspicious time to hold prayers at home is between 8.01am to 8.44am, 10.15am to 12.55pm and from 2.27pm onwards."
Nithiyanantha said people should gather at temples to hear astrological readings and attend special prayers.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-festivals/29973-tamil-new-year-vaisakhi-celebrate-special.html
Vaisakhi is celebrated as the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Order.
Vaisakhi traces its origin from the Vaisakhi Day celebrations of 1699 organised by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh to form Khalsa -- Brotherhood of Saint Soldiers to fight against tyranny and oppression.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=29973
Sikhs mark Vaisakhi by visiting a gurudwara for prayers and to participate in cultural activities.
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