Chetti Melaka Community secretary T. Sithambaram Pillay said the Chitty Ponggal differs significantly from mainstream Indian practices, particularly in its food offerings and rituals. One key difference is the serving of nasi lemak on banana leaves as part of the Ponggal offering, a practice unique to this Indian-Peranakan community. Sweet treat: On the final day, Kanni Ponggal, unmarried Chitty ladies prepare Ponggal and serve it at the temple. “This is Parchu Ponggal, a ritual performed to the ancestors a day before Ponggal. Instead, one Ponggal is prepared by a temple trustee at Sri Kailasanathar Kovil in Melaka, representing the entire community.

Source: The Star January 13, 2026 23:51 UTC