DEEPAVALI BAZAAR IN LITTLE INDIA, MELAKA DRAWS VISITORS OF VARIOUS RACES

MELAKA, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Deepavali Bazaar in conjunction with the celebration of the Festival of Lights in Melaka which has been operating since Oct 7 in Little India Jalan Bendahara here will go on for two weeks. 

Melaka MIC chairman Datuk VP Shanmugam said the bazaar, which houses 40 stalls selling clothes and various types of food and traditional sweets from the Indian community, is expected to attract visitors of various races, including local and foreign tourists.

"The Deepavali Bazaar is an annual event that is eagerly awaited not only by the Indian community to prepare for the festival but also by other races because of the excitement of various types of traditional food being sold such as pani puri and muruku.

"Apart from the bazaar, there will also artistic and cultural performances by the Indian community for five days starting Oct 14," he told reporters here today.

Shanmugam, who is also the state Youth, Sports and NGO Exco, said the highlight will be performances by local artists such as Zubir Khan on Oct 17 and the event is expected to be officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

He said in conjunction with Deepavali, 84 students from Tamil schools around Melaka, consisting of orphans and children from B40 families, were brought to buy new clothes to celebrate the festival.

Shanmugam said the aid was an annual programme carried out to reduce the burden on families preparing for Deepavali, thus bringing joy to the children involved.

Meanwhile, Shanmugam, who is also Gadek assemblyman said the Rahmah MADANI Sale is also held in conjunction with Deepavali at Japerun Gadek and Jalan Rezeb Kampung Ganun this Saturday (Oct 11) starting at 8 am.

He said various items would be offered at cheaper prices, including fresh chicken at RM8 per piece and other essential items.

-- BERNAMA