Colours of Deepavali

Deepavali bazaar at Jalan Ungku Puan, Johor Bahru.

Garlands of flowers hanging and lining up the walkway.

Pigeons feeding time early in the morning.

At nite the temple is brightly lit up with line of bulbs which created the festive mood.

Deepavali goodies for the pickings.

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated by Hindus on Thursday 8 November 2007, and Malaysian Indians are already thronging special markets in Little Indias all over the country to pick up items such as delicacies and sarees. The event exhibit the unique aspects of the Indian community in Malaysia. I was walking along Jalan Ungku Puan Johor Bahru where there was a Deepavali Bazaar and love to witness the splendor of colour at the brightly lit special market which attracts hundreds of shoppers every night and offers an array of colourful festive items. Shoppers are spoilt for choice in selecting special items such as greeting cards, colourful traditional clothes and decorative items. Snacks galore are everywhere with kacang putih, sweetmeat and cookies stalls doing a roaring business. My childhood experience of having Indian neighbours makes me appreciate delicacies such as jelabi, palgova, laddu, balusha mysorpak, halua and choc koa many of whom serve these delicacies at their open houses. Early in the morning they generously sent trays of Deepavali goodies. Those food was laden with ghee, lots of sugar and milk and my favourite was the laddu and murukku.

I also fancy the metal bangles with hanging bells and ornaments which are in striking colours and hues. The colourful sarees also entice me especially the one with traditional looks and appeals. Stalls selling Indian garments, food and ornaments line both sides of the road. Traditional dances and Kolam competition will also be held at Persada Convention Centre in Johor Bahru on 4 November 2007. Festive mood is in the air!