(From fourth left) Chow, Jagdeep and his wife Belinda Bhar with the other guests at the ‘villaku’ lighting ceremony. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
THE state-level Deepavali open house in Penang was a traditional and cultural affair with guests and the public joining in the celebration in colourful Indian attire such as saree, Punjabi suit, lehenga, jeepa and kurtha.
The event hosted by Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo at the SK Han Chiang hall in Air Itam, attracted more than 800 guests.
It was graced by Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, his wife Toh Puan Khadijah Mohd Nor and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Guests, who included the public, were treated to Tamil and Hindi songs, cultural dances as well as classical Indian dance bharatanatyam and Bhangra dance.
There was a scrumptious buffet dinner with various local dishes and hawker fare such as mutton kurma, satay and ais kacang.
Guests helping themselves to the buffet spread at the event.
In his welcoming address, Jagdeep thanked the attendees, saying the strong cultural bonds among the various races were evident.
“While Penang is in the forefront of attracting investments and as a leading financial hub, it is also a bedrock of harmony and unity among races,” he said.
In his speech, Chow said the unique cultural diversity was what made the country special, as every one was part of the heritage and tradition that united the people.
“This is the strength of Penang, where we give priority to unity and social integration, all values which should be celebrated all the time,” he said.
Chow said the state government seriously viewed their commitment to strengthen the economic aspect of the Indian community through various initiatives and incentives as well as accelerate the achievement of Penang 2030.
A drum performance during the celebration at SK Han Chiang hall in Air Itam, Penang. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
“The state has been channelling funds to the Penang Hindu Endowment Board for education needs for the poor.
“As at October this year, 3,698 deserving students had received a total of RM4.87mil,” he added.
Also present were state assembly speaker Datuk Law Choo Kiang, state executive councillors Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo and Daniel Gooi, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, assemblymen, consul-generals and heads of state and federal government departments.
