KUALA LUMPUR: With Deepavali just two days away, the Hindus celebrating the auspicious day are all out to wrap up their shopping spree and preparations for the big day.
FESTIVE SHOPPING: A shop at Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang displaying decorative items for sale to attract potential customers namely the Hindu community who will be celebrating Deepavali on Nov 5. — Bernama photo
Indian dominated commercial centres in the Klang Valley like Jalan Masjid India and Brickfields in Kuala Lumpur and Jalan Tengku Kelana in Klang are teeming with shoppers and small time vendors.
Brickfields, now after a makeover as the official ‘Little India’ also has a fair share of curious visitors who are coming all the way to see what the hype is all about following the official launch of the designation last week by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and his counterpart from India, Manmohan Singh.
Apart from the wide tiled walkway, most patrons are pleased with the aesthetics — the imposing gateway, beautiful arches, embellished lamp posts and all buildings painted in violet — that really exudes the typical Indian atmosphere and gaiety.
With the festival of lights getting closer, a walk there in the night will remind one of the mini Thaipusam with hundreds of people patronising the place at any one time with the glittering lights and activities.
Indians love colours and this is reflected through the riot of colours that glitter in the apparel that they wear or the clothes and wares that the Indian traders put on display.
The scent of fresh jasmine will greet anyone walking between the stalls, emanating from the traditional florists who also ply their business there.
The voices of sales assistants luring in customers, traders calling on their offerings and the blaring music at times create an unbearable cacophony.
Customers are spoilt for choice with hundreds of sarees, kurtas, Punjabi suits, carpets, bed spreads, sweetmeats, decorations and other necessities displayed creatively.
With the rising affluence of the community and new found spirit of entrepreneurship, there is no shortage of both shoppers and traders.
In the Malaysian context, Indian community leaders and the well-heeled hold open houses for family, friends and their neighbours who are often from another race.
The Hindus in Malaysia are blessed to live in a progressive and multiracial society where their faith and traditions are guaranteed. — Bernama