MELAKA: The traditional Deepavali Carnival at Little India at Jalan Bendahara here will return this month after a two-year break, says a Melaka exco member.
State youth development, sports and non-governmental organisations (NGO) committee chairman VP Shanmugam said the carnival at Padang Nyiru here will begin on Saturday (Oct 8) and end on Deepavali eve, Oct 23.
"The dazzle of the Festival of Lights will be back after two years of pandemic hiatus and we are expecting a crowd of 30,000 to visit during the festive season," he said here on Sunday (Oct 2).
Shanmugam said the highlight of the event will be the launching of the carnival by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali on Oct 22.
Among the attractions are stage performances as well as dozens of stalls selling all delicacies, garments and lighting.
"We have invited local talents and dance troupes from all over the country to perform.
"Locals will be given an opportunity to earn income by setting up stalls," he said.
Shanmugam said the site has been proven to be an efficient and profitable gateway to market products and also to create a Deepavali ambience in the community.
"The main purpose of this carnival is to provide a single shopping platform," he added.
