On the 14th of Janurary, Miss Thai brought us, the NE Ambassadors to a trip at Little India. It was on the Pongal Festival. After the journey, I learnt that Pongal Festival is the most important festival for the Indians. It is also called the Harvest Festival. It is from 13 January to 21st January. Pongal Festival is celebrated in January each year. This festival has its origins in South India where farming is a major activity. Pongal Festival is the celebration of a good harvest. In modern Singapore, Pongal Festival is also celebrated as the commencement of the auspicious Tamil month of Thao. Pongal Festival is ever popular here in Singapore as it is a joyous festival which represents the tradition of giving thanks for all good things.
Pongal Festival is celebrated over four days. On the first day, Bhogi, old clothes and things are discarded marking the begining of a new life. The second day, Surya Pongal, is celebrated by boiling fresh milk, rice and sugar early in the morning in a new pot and allowing it to boil over. This sweet dish is then offered to the Gods for the mmany blessins one receives during the year. People prepare savouries and sweets, visit each other's homes and exchange greetings. The third day, Mattu Pongal, is the days when cows are honoured - for plouging the fields and for the milk they provide. On this day, cattle are bathed, their horns polished and painted in bright colours, and flower garlands placed around their necks. On the last day, Lanum Pongal, younger members of the family pays respect to thier elders.
Miss Thai said that if we are performing good, we might be able to go overseas for the NE Ambassadors during the June holidays for a learning journey. I wish that I could go.
During the December holiays, I went for a News Presenter Wrokshop @ the Singapore Mediacorp Academy. It was a 2 day course. From 11th December to 12th December, 9am - 5pm. I went there with Shu Xuan and my cousin. You need a press pass to enter. It was very fun there. They provide morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. We had about 18 pupils in the class. Our teacher was Mdm Carol Chiam. She was a past news presenter and journalist. Her son also came with her. We were divided into groups of 4. Each group have a classroom. Mdm Chiam told us to discuss in our group, who wants to be the camera man, hosts (2 person) and the person who is going to be interviewd. I was one of the host with my teamate, Su Xian. We were to take down our videos in a digital or video camera. After Mdm Chia looked at every host's videos, she were to choose two best hosts for the "best hosts award". Guess who were chosen? Su Xian and Me! We were surprised. But we still go to the front and take our prizes. At the end of the lat lesson, every of us was given a certificate and a calender + notebook from Mediacorp. That will be the most unforgettable lesson I ever had in my lifetime. And it will be...