Malaysia : Deepavali celebrated modestly

Modest But Joyous Deepavali Nationwide

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- With Hari Raya mood still in the air, Indians nationwide today celebrated a joyous Deepavali, with leaders and members of the community welcoming guests and friends at their open houses.

Blessed with fair weather in many areas, Hindu followers started their day with prayers at the temples followed by visits to open houses, a tradition practiced by the country's multi-racial community during major celebrations.

The MIC, a Barisan Nasional component party, held its open house at the Dewan Merdeka in Putra World Trade Centre, here, from 10 am to 1 pm, attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and cabinet ministers.

The Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry also took the opportunity to hold an open house at Bangunan Peladang, Jalan Klang Lama, Petaling Jaya.

In MELAKA, Hindu followers basked in the fair weather and visited family and friends during the festive occasion.

Melaka MIC chairman Datuk R. Ragavan hosted an open house at his residence in Taman Maju Jasin while State Transport, Information and Consumer Committee chairman R. Perumal held an open house at his home in Kampung Baru, Selandar.

A state-level Deepavali open house will be held at Padang Nyiru on Saturday, featuring cultural performances from India.

In KOTA BAHARU, Kelantan MIC chairman M. Kuppusamy said Deepavali this year was celebrated modestly with several religious programmes arranged.

More than 300 hampers were distributed to the less fortunate members of the community in Kuala Kerai yesterday.

Today's public holiday also saw tourists flocking to three main shopping havens in Kelatan -- the Rantau Panjang Duty-Free Zone, Pengkalan Kubor and Bukit Bunga.

In KOTA KINABALU, State MIC liaison chairman Datuk V. Jothi hosted an open house at the Likas Multi-purpose Hall, near here.

Among the dignitaries there included Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, state cabinet members as well as political and community leaders.

In ALOR STAR, Deepavali was celebrated modestly as seven districts in the state were still flooded.

However, this did not stop the people from attending open houses hosted by state leaders including Kedah MIC chairman Datuk V. Saravanan, state MIC deputy chairman Datuk S. Ganesan and executive councillor V. Arumugam.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Azizan Abdul Razak was among the guests at Arumugam's open house.

In PENANG, Deepavali was celebrated modestly with Hindu followers taking the opportunity to seek blessings at temples.

The Balathandayuthabani Temple at Jalan Kebun Bunga was among the temples which attracted hundreds of Hindu followers.

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