Dhol Blasters amping up cheer during the open house. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
THe Penang Deepavali open house provided a window into Indian culture via colourful performances on stage.
Delighting the eyes and ears were poikkaal kuthirai aattam, which is a folk dance with wooden horses, drum performance by Dhol Blasters and peppy Indian songs.
Complementing the entertainment at the event held at Penang Chinese Town Hall was tasty food that included curries, vadai, samosa, thosai and appom plus masala tea to wash it all down.
A graceful peacock dance lighting up the stage as part of the entertainment.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said in his speech that no community would be marginalised as the state government forged ahead with Penang2030 vision.
“The state will continue to empower every layer of society including the Indian community politically, socially and economically.
Chow (second from right) and Penang Deputy Chief minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo lighting the kuthu vilakku during the Deepavali open house.
“Under Penang2030 vision, the state has agreed to increase the annual grant to the Hindu Endowment Board to RM2mil per year.
“This sum is to help the board implement special programmes for the Indian community,” said Chow.
The luncheon was graced by Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and other state representatives, many wearing traditional attire like jippas and sarees. — By N. TRISHA
