BATU PAHAT: A five-day Hindu festival organised by Chinese and Indian devotees at the Arulmigu Sri Sanggili Karuppar Swami Kuil in Batu Pahat is a testimony of harmonious relations between the Chinese and Indians in Malaysia.

A four-day fire ritual was held from 31 July to 4 August to celebrate Aadi Amavaasai Thiruvizha and the birthday of Sanggili Karuppar, in which traditional activities such as mutton contribution and palkudam — carrying of milk in a pot to offer to deity in return for good health — were held.

In addition, free medical services and distribution of rice for blessings were also included.

A flag-raising ceremony was held on 31 July, where a Hindu priest conducted the four-day fire ritual with devotees throwing grains, herbs, fresh flowers, fruits, honey and spices into the fire as offerings to the deity.

For the first time, the Hindu temple also received 88 sets of one-metre-long joss-sticks contributed by Chinese devotees, adding some Chinese elements to a Hindu celebration.

A Chinese physician offered massage services to devotees for two days, with proceeds all going to the temple.

On the last day of celebration, 100 packs of 1 kg rice were distributed to devotees as a sign for blessings.

Penggaram state assemblyman Gan Peck Cheng praised the temple for being a platform for the local Chinese and Indian communities to interact, allowing people of different races to know each other better and live in harmony under the same roof.

The Hindu temple, which also has Taoist gods, has attracted many devotees.