29-04-2025
Tamil festival brings culture to life in KL
A blindfolded participant shattering a swinging claypot during the 'uri adithal' traditional game. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
BRICKFIELDS turned into a lively kaleidoscope of colours as the streets of Kuala Lumpur's Little India pulsated with the sights and sounds of the Tamil New Year.
Amid the swirl of kolam patterns on pavements and hypnotic beats of urumi drums, this festival, called Puthandu, brought culture to life.
The air was scented with incense, spices and anticipation as crowds gathered under white tents, and fluttering banana leaves.
They were drawn to a celebration steeped in rhythm, ritual and revelrous fun.
Kolam artist B. Meshalini Shri, 19, brings colour to concrete using powdered rice to craft intricate patterns.
Children dressed in colourful silk clothing sang classical Thevaram hymns, their voices rising in harmony while nimble fingers tapped tambourines in time.
On another stage, there were Bharatanatyam dancers portraying ancient tales with intricate footwork, their anklets jingling.
Then came the karagattam queens – graceful women who glided across the festival stage balancing on their heads flower-laden pots adorned with peacock feathers.
Karagattam dancers balancing ornate pots on their heads.
At the pavement, a young girl was seen creating delicate rainbow patterns with multi-hued powdered rice.
A few steps away, another child rolled dice on a pallanguzhi board, cheered on by her proud mother.
Then came the lively uri adithal, a popular traditional game.
Festival-goers queueing for a taste of traditional tea.
Blindfolded participants, guided only by gleeful shouts and laughter from the crowd, wildly swung a long stick at a suspended swinging claypot containing turmeric water.
When the pot finally shattered in a splash, the crowd erupted in cheers.
'It's mischief with meaning,' said event organiser Rishikumar Vadivelu.
'It reminds us to laugh, to try again, and never give up.'
A young girl trying her hand at 'pallanguzhi' as her mother looks on.
The energy spiked once more when silambam exponents took to the stage.
With sticks whirling and feet flying, their vibrant display wowed the crowd.
'It's not just martial art. It's poetry in motion, passed down through generations,' Rishikumar added.
