Patriotic spiritThousands of water bottles have been transformed into the Jalur Gemilang outside LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia Day is celebrated on Sept 16. — ART CHEN/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: It was a cultural showcase from the word go, with various races coming together to enjoy a feast of local delicacies.
This was no ordinary gathering that catered to just one segment of society; it was for all to celebrate.
One showed up with his homemade snow skin mooncake and batik cake, while another came with her favourite lontong.
For virologist Dr Kumitaa Theva Das, the mini Malaysia Day celebration was a timely reminder of the country’s identity – cultural diversity and social cohesion.
“We enjoyed each other’s company and learnt to appreciate cultural differences. Over here, it’s normal to get our friends together for a cultural feast.
“We are happy to celebrate our diversity,” said Kumitaa, who hosted the celebration at her house in Jalan Bukit Gambier recently.
Having spent 10 years in the United States, she said she would celebrate various festivals with fellow Malaysians, be it Deepavali, Hari Raya or and even Malaysia Day during their stay there.
“Celebrating Malaysia Day is always special as we get to enjoy stories of our friends from different backgrounds and religions.
“I learnt to eat Bambangan (a seasonal wild mango, usually pickled) from my Sabahan friends while I was studying.
“When I came home from the United States, I learnt to appreciate what we have here,” said Kumitaa, in her 30s from Ipoh, Perak.
Student Muhammad Hazeeq Asyraf Suhimi, 22, who came with his homemade snow skin mooncake and batik cake, said he grew up in a family that loves to try out different types of food and learn to make them at home.
“It’s a way of me enjoying other people’s cultures and sharing one of my own. This is my first time making mooncakes and it took over six hours to prepare. It’s nice to learn something new,” said the Penangite.
Biomedical sciences senior lecturer Dr Siti Hawa Ngalim, 38, prepared lontong for the gathering.
“After living abroad for a few good years, I learnt so much from others, and started to appreciate the diversity and differences that we have here.
“You feel humbled and learn to respect each other as you connect as Malaysians,” said Siti Hawa, from Ampang, Selangor.
Sabahan Ily Iskandar, 30, said she was always proud to share Malaysian food with foreigners.
“We have so many different dishes that come from various cultures.
“Even people from other South-East Asian countries do not understand how diverse we are. That is nice,” said the programme executive from Kota Kinabalu.
Malaysia Day has been celebrated as a public holiday since 2010 to foster the Malaysian spirit.
