M. Vaishu (left) with M. Nisha, shopping for their Deepavali needs at Jalan Tengku Kelana in Klang. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS and MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
Jalan Tengku Kelana stores attract shoppers from near and far thanks to wide choice for all budgets
KLANG’S Little India comes alive every Deepavali as shops compete to be more colourful than their counterparts.
The aroma of curry powder is joined by the scent of Indian sweets, fragrance of jasmine flowers and the distinctive smell of new clothes.
Colourful and chaotic, Jalan Tengku Kelana is a popular place for families to shop for clothes, jewellery and decorative items for their festive needs while also enjoying a variety of Indian food.
It is common to see shop assistants standing at the five-foot way calling out to passers-by to enter and browse items on offer.
People can often be seen looking at their smartphones to compare prices and check their shopping list.
Sisters A. Aysha and A. Afza were spotted at Sri Kumaran’s Textile shopping for sarees.
Sharara suits are popular this Deepavali.
“I am checking out their Kanchipuram sarees with chariot and peacock motifs.
“The cotton sarees also look good,” said the sisters who had driven down from Penang.
Sri Kumaran’s Textile Sdn Bhd director Dr Rajasegar Mohan said Kanchipuram pattu and Kanchi cotton sarees were popular.“Many are also looking for Bangalore Kubera silk sarees, which are light and comfortable,” he said.
Another interesting trend he noticed this year was that more parents were shopping for their children.
Sri Rasi Silks’ co-owner Navin Kumar Subramanian said sales were more encouraging this year compared to the past three years.
“In the past, families would buy up to five sets of clothing for each member to celebrate Deepavali.
Customers choosing from a variety of sarees.
“This is no longer the case but we still see a good crowd this time around even though people have more avenues to shop.
“We still have our loyal customers and as the owner, I manage the till during the Deepavali sale so that I can decide on the discount to be given, especially for bulk purchases.
“These are my regulars and I need to make sure they are happy with the sale and come back again,” said Navin who has been helping in his father’s business since he was a teenager.
On fashion trends this year, he said Sharara suits which came with wider pants and elaborate tops were a popular choice.
Palazzo, Patiala and Anarkali suits were also in demand, he added.
Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry council member and Klang district advisor NP Raman said Klang’s Little India attracted shoppers from Greater Klang Valley and beyond.
“Little India is a place for all things Indian with over 100 establishments.
Ramya showing off some glass bangles.
“It has something for shoppers from every income group,” he said.
At MyPrimas Store, customer Ramya Sana was mesmerised with the glass bangles.
“They are colourful and I love the sound they make,” she said.
Her friend Darsika Vijayalinkam was on the lookout for bindi or pottu, especially the new designs for Deepavali.
At Jai Hind Restaurant, favourites such as halwa, keseri and jelebi lined glass racks.
Chithra carrying her daughter Akalya who just had her ears pierced.
Farther down the road, IT engineer Sri Sharvin Meroiviran and his sister Vinitha were spotted choosing block printed kurtas that are all the rage this Deepavali.
“Little India is like a one-stop centre for Indians and the best place for the budget-conscious to shop,” said Sri Sharvin from Tanjong Sepat, Selangor.
Little India is also the place for women to get their saree blouse sewn or altered.
Chithra Periaayah had also brought her daughter Akalya Logeswaran, three, to get her ears pierced at Thangaram Jewellers.
Its co-founder K. Shanbagavalli said this year, Bombay and Dubai-design gold chains were very much in demand.
Thinagaran says yellow chrysanthemums are among flowers placed on altars.
Potted plants were also being sold at the five-foot way along Jalan Dato Hamzah opposite Masjid India Muslim Klang.
Opposite Sri Nagara Thendayuthapani temple off Jalan Bukit Jawa was a booth abundant with flowers.
Seller Thinagaran Muniandy, who has been in the business since 2005, said yellow chrysanthemums, marigold and lotus flower buds were being snapped up to be placed on altars.
A police van and uniformed personnel were also seen at Jalan Tengku Kelana, Jalan Pulasan, Jalan Mohet, Lorong Tingkat and surrounding areas.
A police officer reminded visitors not to leave their belongings unattended, wear excessive jewellery or carry large amounts of cash.
