Little India streets teeming with activity

George Town enclave full of folk seeking Deepavali goodies

THE Festival of Lights signifies good triumphing over evil and for those celebrating Deepavali, it also means time at home with family and a chance to indulge in sumptuous food and wear new outfits.

In Malaysia, most states have a “Little India”, a place where one can shop for Indian goods and festive necessities, from spices and clothes to handicrafts.

ALSO READ: Festivity brings families together

In Penang, it is right smack in the heart of George Town. The hustle and bustle in Little India during this time of the year cannot be missed with the festival falling on Sunday.

Thanneermalai helping N. Mangles (right) select decorations for her house at his store in Little India, George Town. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

Settled within an enclave composed of seven to eight streets including Jalan Pasar, these past few weeks have seen those celebrating Deepavali thronging the area to get what they need to make traditional delights as well as buy new clothes and matching accessories, along with house decorations and other festive necessities.

Some have even travelled from as far away as Kedah and Perak to the heritage city.

Teacher K. Illavarasi, 31, said she made Deepavali snacks and sweets such as muruku and biscuits from scratch.

“These days, many make muruku from a pre-mix pack where one just needs to add water.

Thanaraj showing A. Kavya (left)colourful bangles for sale at his shop.

“While it is easier, it is not always the tastiest.

“We buy the rice flour, urad dhal (black gram) and other ingredients to make it.

“It takes time as you need to roast the dhal then bring it to a grinding mill to have it powdered, but in the end, it is always worth the effort,” she said when met at a local sundry shop.

Illavarasi said another festive must-have was adhirasam, usually offered during prayers on Deepavali day.

Kasthuri showing the sharara suit she hopes to wear for Deepavali at a shop in Little India.

“I also shop for new clothing in Little India as all the shops are concentrated in this area,” she said.

Datuk Mohamed Meera Sahib, who runs a well-known sundry shop in the area, said the must-buys were usually muruku pre-mix, adhirasam pre-mix, urad dhal, gram flour, ghee and other essentials for making savoury and sweet traditional delights.

“These days, many prefer to buy pre-mix packets but some still get raw ingredients to make the snacks from scratch.

“It is actually cheaper to make your own muruku as the pre-mix packs are pricey.

“Those who make it from scratch will roast the dhal and bring it here to grind.

“We offer the service as people need it to be in powder form before they can make muruku or other savoury snacks,” he said.

Illavarasi says the sweet adhirasam usually offered during prayers on Deepavali day is a festive must-have.

Mohamed Meera said ghee was also important as it was usually used in all sweet and savoury items.

At the saree and clothing shops, although there are a variety of choices, many choose comfort and fun designs over the traditional saree.

This year is no different with Indian tops, dresses and fancy sharara suits being preferred over the “six yards” of a saree.

K. Kasthuri, 48, who works in sales, had her eye on a sharara suit which came in a set — flared pants, short top, matching jacket and shawl.

“I like this design as it is flattering on those who are tall and it comes with a coat so I can opt not to use the shawl.

“It is comfortable and easy to move around in unlike a saree,” she said.

D. Dhasrini (left) helping her friend choose a pair of earrings to wear for the festivity.

Those wanting to match their outfits with suitable accessories can head to the many accessory shops in Little India.

R. Thanaraj, who has been in the business for 15 years, sells accessories from as low as RM5.

“This time around, the trend is to wear chunky earrings and go bare at the neck.

“They also buy colourful bangles to complement their new outfit.

“I make sure to bring in bangles in every shade and colour to match different outfits,” he said.

Thanaraj, who sells a pair of large earrings at RM10 each, said he had to sell his merchandise at a much cheaper price because of competition and the slow economy.

Visitors shopping at Little India in George Town, Penang in the run-up to Deepavali.

“My profit is only RM1 or RM2, which is enough and my customers are happy too.

“My goal is to offer products at a cheaper price as I want customers to buy nice things for the festival without feeling the pinch,” he said.

Rounding up the essentials for a fun-filled Deepavali are decorations to spruce up one’s home.

K. Thanneermalai, 37, whose shop offers a myriad of decorations including strands of marigolds made from cloth, lanterns, sticker kolam, coloured rice, big reusable garlands and other fixtures, said people were keen on cloth flowers this year.

“The flowers made from cloth and fashioned to look like strands of marigolds are popular this year.

Some still choose to make Deepavali snacks from scratch and buy the ingredients they need from a sundry shop.

“People like to hang them outside their homes.

“Then the cloth-made lanterns, which has a mirror and beautiful thread work, is usually placed as a centrepiece between the strands of flowers.

“Our marigolds come in various colours to brighten up one’s home.

“These can be easily stored and reused over the years,” he said.

Thanneermalai, who has been in the business for a decade, said other popular items were the sticker kolam as well as 3D-esque polystyrene kolam, which had spaces that could be filled with coloured rice or powder.

“These are easier for those who do not have the time or patience to draw a kolam from scratch,” he said.