Special guest: Khoo (centre) attending the prayers at the Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi temple in Jalan Tukang Emas.
MELAKA: A mega Deepavali carnival is being proposed for next year to complement Visit Melaka Year 2024 (TMM 2024), says Khoo Poay Tiong.
The Kota Melaka MP said he would propose to the relevant ministries in the Federal Government to host a monumental event for next year’s Festival of Lights as part of tourist attractions in the state.
“The proposal is also meant to promote the uniqueness of our culture and unity,” he said after attending prayers at the oldest functioning Hindu temple in the country – Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi – in Jalan Tukang Emas here on Saturday night.
Khoo assisted the temple in getting a nearby parking bay for the benefit of devotees and also presented an allocation for the temple in conjunction with Deepavali.
He said Deepavali is one of the biggest festivals in the state and has the potential to attract big crowds.
“The festival is also celebrated in Singapore and Indonesia while in Thailand, the Festival of Lights is known as Loi Krathong. It can also attract Hindus from Europe and Latin America,” he said.
He said the festival was the best time to witness the diversity of the country, adding that stalls would be adorned with fancy decorations and offering crafts and delicacies, among others.
Khoo also expressed hope that this year’s Deepavali would be a memorable one for all communities.
“Let’s celebrate Deepavali as part of our festivities and come together to spur the spirit of harmony filled with merriment,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kwong Fook Association deputy secretary Yong Kim Leong lauded the move to organise the carnival.
“We have a sizeable number of Hindu devotees among the Chinese community in the state and we can also play a pivotal role in making the event a successful one,” he said.
Yong said the planned carnival would also attract Singaporeans and Indonesians to the state, boosting the number of tourist arrivals during TMM 2024.
