S. Santa Devi, 60, and her husband, K Suppiah Pillay, 75, ready to usher in the upcoming Deepavali celebration.
MELAKA: Excitement runs high among the Chettiar community in Kampung Chetti, Jalan Gajah Berang, as they prepare to usher in the upcoming Deepavali celebration.
Although there are differences in how the Chettiars celebrate the festival of light, such as their attire and food, the festive spirit remains the same, and the celebration is just as lively and colourful.
S. Santa Devi, 60, told Bernama today that every time Deepavali approaches, she finds herself busy preparing between 18 and 20 types of traditional cakes, which she enjoys doing as she prefers homemade ones.
She said in addition to traditional delicacies such as omapodi, achu murukku, and murukku, she also prepares traditional Malay snacks such as wajik, dodol, bahulu, pineapple tarts, sesagun and kuih siput.
"All these snacks are a family tradition that must be made for every celebration. I prepare one type daily in the two weeks leading up to the festival.
"I will also cook various dishes to serve to guests...including tosai, briyani rice, nasi lemak, chicken rendang, and mutton curry," she said.
Santa Devi said that her husband, K Suppiah Pillay, 75, who is just as excited to celebrate Deepavali, assists her in decorating their home.
She said she has opted to wear a purple kebaya for this year's celebration, explaining that women in the Chettiar community typically don kebayas during festivals, whether at home or when visiting relatives.
Meanwhile, Suppiah elaborated that the men usually wear a headpiece known as talapa and a sarong, adding that they typically get ready early in the morning but do not perform the oil bath ritual like other Indians.
"After that, we will go to the nearby temple to perform a prayer for the well-being of the family and return home to enjoy a meal together while waiting for guests to arrive.
"We normally buy chicken from Malay vendors and cook halal food so that friends and acquaintances of various backgrounds visiting us during the Deepavali celebration can enjoy the food," he added.- Bernama
S. Santa Devi, 60, and her husband, K Suppiah Pillay, 75, ready to usher in the upcoming Deepavali celebration.
