DEEPAVALI PREPARATIONS IN FULL SWING AT JALAN TRUS BAZAAR

By Nur Fadhliana Shaari

JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- With Deepavali only three days away, preparations are in full swing for the Festival of Lights.

A Bernama check at the Deepavali bazaar on Jalan Trus found the site bustling with visitors, particularly Hindus, just as it has been in previous years.

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Many are taking full advantage of the weekend to shop with their families, while businesses have begun offering promotions and significant discounts on a wide selection of items, especially clothing.

A native of Johor Bahru, who wished to be known only as Devi Kausalyah, 28, expressed her eagerness to visit the Deepavali bazaar on Jalan Trus due to the variety of items available for the celebration.

“I’m here for the second time; during my first visit, I bought cookies, and today my husband and I came to shop for clothes. There’s plenty of choice here, and the prices are very reasonable,” she said.

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“This year feels much more festive. We’re not returning to our hometown, as my parents and relatives will be celebrating at my place in Iskandar Puteri. I can really feel the excitement,” said Devi Kausalyah, who works in Singapore and is on leave for a week until next Saturday.

Vheisnavy Murugan shared a similar sentiment, saying that the preparations and festivities for Deepavali this year felt significantly more vibrant compared to past years.

The 18-year-old, who would return to his hometown in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, said that his preparations for Deepavali were still in progress, as he preferred to shop for essential items at the last minute.

“I feel a greater sense of excitement for Deepavali this year, especially since we didn’t celebrate last year due to the passing of a family member.

“I usually shop at the last minute...I will look for cookies and other things later. There are plenty of items here at reasonable prices, so it’s definitely worth coming,” he said.

Meanwhile, the owner of Sivathi Bridal, S Sivathi, 42, said that the festive excitement was clearly felt ahead of Deepavali this Thursday.

She stated that her booth, which offered henna services, regularly attracted a diverse range of clients, not only from the Indian community but also from Malays, Chinese, and foreign customers.

“The festive spirit is always lively each year. Although henna isn’t a necessity during the festival, it has become a popular trend to look beautiful on this special occasion,” said Sivathi who offers henna services for RM10 to RM50 per hand, depending on the design.

-- BERNAMA