Ipoh (Malaysia), Jan. 16 : For the first time ever, 100 Chinese families from all over the country joined the Ponggal harvest festival at the Sri Maha Karumariamman Muneeswarar Temple in Falim on Wednesday night.

According to a New Strait Times report, the traditional Tamil thanksgiving festival also saw 100 Indian families and six Australian tourists participating in the prayers and the ceremony itself.

The 100-year-old temple has been hosting the Ponggal festival for the past 30 years. It only started to allow people of other races and religion to be part of the celebrations this year.

Temple priest Kaka Singh said the move will enable others to know more about the celebration. (ANI)