AN ESTIMATED 3,000 people from all walks of life turned up at the joint Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) and Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED) Deepavali open house in Section 31 here on Sunday (Nov 8).
Clad in traditional Indian attire such as the saree, salwar kameez, veshtee and jippa, guests gave the event a resplendent festive atmosphere as they greeted friends and caught up with one another.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim graced the event, arriving at the hall at 11.10am to rapturous applause from guests.
He was ushered in by MIC president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran to the beats of traditional Indian drums.
MIED is the educational and scholarship arm of MIC, providing educational opportunities, loans and scholarships to Malaysian Indian students.
The open house, held at Mansion Oncidium Hall in Kota Kemuning, saw many guests arrive as early as 10am.
A sumptuous buffet of traditional Indian delicacies and Malaysian favourites was served to guests.
Kollywood, Bollywood and Malay songs reverberated throughout the hall as local artistes performed dances, adding colour and cheer to the occasion.
"We are overwhelmed by the huge crowd today. We are joyful that the Prime Minister graced the event," Vigneswaran said.
Vigneswaran's wife Puan Sri Datin Sri Susita Periasamy was also present.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Selangor human resources, poverty eradication and Orang Asli affairs committee chairman V. Papparaidu, along with other Barisan Nasional leaders.
On stage, Vigneswaran draped sarees and garlands over Anwar, Wee and other leaders.
Wee said the festive celebration highlighted Malaysia's rich diversity, where people of different cultures gather to celebrate each other's festivals in a harmonious manner.
