A HINDU religious group is puzzled over a Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) directive which had apparently barred Muslims from celebrating Ponggal, an Indian cultural event.

Malaysian Hindu Sangam president R.S. Mohan Shan said the event was to mark the end of harvest and is a cultural event.

“There is nothing wrong (with celebrating Ponggal). It is a cultural thing and everyone can come and join. It is not a religious event,” he said today.

He said no one will become a Hindu by celebrating the event. 

Mohan’s comments come after a letter issued to schools by the Education Ministry barring students from taking part went viral today.

The Malaysian Insight is seeking comments from the Education Ministry and Jakim on the letter.

The letter, dated January 13, stated that the decision was made by shariah experts in a meeting held last year.

The letter was signed by education deputy director-general Adzman Talib, who said that Pongal is celebrated by the Hindus and Muslims are not allowed to participate, including during the ritual when rice is cooked in milk. 

The term “ponggal” in Tamil means “to boil”, and this festival is celebrated as a thanksgiving ceremony for the year’s harvest.

The letter also stated six conditions set by Jakim that a Muslim must follow if they have to join the celebration.

Muslims are not allowed to enter the temple, not to participate in the ritual and to wish a happy festival to friends and neighbours.

Muslims are also forbidden from wearing any attire that resembles a Hindu priest.

However, there was no reason given as to why the Education Ministry issued such circular.

A portal belonging to a right wing Malay group, Isma claimed that a high school had forced Muslim students to participate in the celebration last year.

Its chief editor said that they received complaints from parents claiming the celebration went big in certain schools in the Klang Valley and Negri Sembilan.

Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia academic Prof Denison Jayasooria said the action taken by Jakim was insensitive and unconstitutional.

“Not just the Hindus, but the Christians celebrate ponggal too. It is a way to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest,” he said.

“As a multiracial country, we should be open minded and tolerant,” he added.

He said that the festival should not be made into an issue, adding that Jakim should learn how to appreciate why such a festival is being celebrated.

Denison said other religions and cultures are protected under the constitution.

“There are differences but other religions should not act above the other to say what is wrong or what is not wrong,” he said. – January 14, 2020.