KUALA LUMPUR: This year, the Tamil community were able to usher in the Puthandu New Year in a more celebrative atmosphere while adhering to pandemic guidelines. “We are very thankful and happy to be able to celebrate and usher in the Tamil New Year at the temple this year. “Due to the strict movement control order last year, we could only welcome the new year from our homes, ” said Malaysian Hindhudharma Maamandram vice-president Rishi Kumar Vadivelu. He said it was the first time 24 Tamil non-governmental organisations collaborated to organise a celebration at the temple. Rishi Kumar, who was the organising chairman, said the event would help preserve the community’s traditions among the younger generation.