Guests and performers posing with the ‘kolam’ at the mall in Kuala Lumpur.
A MALL in Kuala Lumpur kicked off its Festival of Lights celebrations highlighting culture, unity and flavours.
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s “Diya Deepavali” began with a ceremonial lighting of diya (oil lamps) accompanied by spirited drum-beating, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness.
The mall has a stunning kolam installation at its main entrance, with an intricate Mughal Princess design.
The event was launched by Tourism Malaysia director- general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, representing Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Also present were Pavilion Kuala Lumpur board of directors member Baljeet Kaur Grewal Jaswant Singh, Pavilion REIT deputy chief executive officer Patrick Liau and Maybank senior executive vice-president and head of cards (group community financial services) B. Ravintharan.
In his speech, Manoharan commended Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s continuous efforts in celebrating Malaysia’s cultural diversity through creative initiatives.
Held in partnership with Barbeque Nation, “Diya Deepavali” runs until Oct 26, featuring the Grand Trunk Road Food Festival at Barbeque Nation on Level 9.
The festival invites food lovers to indulge in an authentic Indian culinary journey, highlighting street food including pani puri, dahi bhalla and palak chaat alongside refreshing masala chai and aam panna.
A Rajasthani cultural performance by Anhad Studio during the launch of ‘Diya Deepavali’. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
Indian artistry is also celebrated through the Lakh ki chudi corner showcasing traditional handcrafted bangles, a mehndi station offering intricate henna art, and interactive cultural activities.
Visitors to the launch were treated to a vibrant Indian cultural extravaganza presented by Anhad Studio, whose performers were specially flown in from India.
The event concluded with a festive feast at Barbeque Nation, where guests savoured an evening of flavours, colours and camaraderie – embodying the essence of Deepavali. — By M. JIWA PRIYAA
