Shoppers watching ‘silambam’ martial arts demonstration at Queensbay Mall, Penang. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
THE vibrant colours of Deepavali have taken over Queensbay Mall George Town in Penang this festive season, with the “Radiance of Lights” themed decorations and programmes.
Stepping into the main atrium, visitors are greeted by a picturesque setting that transports them into the richness of Indian heritage and charm.
The decorations feature a pair of life-sized elephants, golden lotuses and an abundance of colourful blooms.
The festive display was launched with a captivating cultural showcase.
Temple of Fine Arts dancers performing an Odissi dance during the launch of the ‘Radiance of Lights’.
It included an Odissi dance performance by the Temple of Fine Arts and a silambam martial arts demonstration by Penang’s Nilaikalakki Silambam Association.
Queensbay Mall centre manager Sylvester Soh said the decorations took three months to complete.
“We chose the theme ‘Radiance of Lights’ as the sun is an important symbol in Hinduism, just as Queensbay Mall plays an integral role in this community.
“We warmly welcome shoppers to enjoy the festive promotions throughout this season.”
Dancers performing ‘kolattam’ at Queensbay Mall.
He said this year’s decorations drew inspiration from the Konark Sun Temple, a 13th-century Hindu temple in Odisha, India, and a Unesco World Heritage Site celebrated for its architectural and artistic grandeur.
The temple is famed for its intricate carvings, chariot-like structure and deep-rooted symbolism of solar energy in Hinduism.
Soh said that central to the mall’s Deepavali decorations were the sun motif and sundial, in paying tribute to the temple.
Visitors are invited to explore the picturesque garden in the central atrium and capture memories in snapshots.
A wide range of promotions and redemptions would be offered this month, including Deepavali ang pow packets and cash vouchers, said Soh.
“Our department store also offers an extensive selection of Indian attire, making Queensbay Mall a convenient one-stop destination for all Deepavali essentials,” he said.
A line-up of family-friendly activities is also scheduled under the Q-Kids Club, such as a Rangoli Designing event tomorrow at 2pm and a Deepavali card-making workshop on Oct 11 also at 2pm.
Shoppers can also look forward to Indian cultural dance performances today at 3pm and Oct 12 at 4pm, as well as mascot appearances at 3pm tomorrow and on Oct 11.
All performances and activities will take place at the central atrium on the ground floor.
Also present at the launch was Queensbay Mall general manager Peter Chan.
For registration and further details, visit the information counter at the ground floor centre zone.
