GEORGE TOWN: Three pairs of sisters from Chinese, Malay, and Indian families got together to try their hand at making mooncakes ahead of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Rolling and moulding the traditional pastries gave them a chance to share something familiar to Malaysians of different backgrounds, with Malaysia Day approaching on Sept 16.
Civil servant Aina Adam Bjorn Wallen, 30, brought her daughters Melissa Sophia Wallen Ali Akbar, five, and Zara Alina Wallen Ali Akbar, seven, to the event.
“I have taken part in lantern walks since I was young. I grew up eating halal mooncakes given by Chinese neighbours and friends.
“My kids enjoy playing with play dough and since making mooncakes involves rolling dough, I thought they would enjoy this.”
The activity was organised by the Sungai Pinang constituency’s women and family development committee on Saturday, with the mooncakes shared with charity homes.
Sisters G. Thurgashini, 15, and G. Suhaishini, 14, came with their mother, chef P. Pushpalatha, 48.
Pushpalatha said growing up in Bukit Mertajam, Chinese neighbours gave her family mooncakes each year, signalling that the festival was coming.
“I like red bean mooncakes,” she said, adding that as someone who loves cooking and baking, she had learnt to whip up Chinese fare like Hokkien char and char hor fun as well as Malay dishes.
Thurgashini and Suhaishini said they looked forward to the festival for the chance to play with lanterns.
College student Ooi Yong Hui, 19, and her sister Jia Hui, 17, made up the third pair.
Yong Hui said she loved mooncakes and wanted to learn to make them herself.
“I hope to make my own mooncakes next year to give to my teachers and friends,” she said.
Jia Hui said she mainly accompanied her sister but looked forward to celebrating with family and friends.
The sisters were guided by Sungai Pinang constituency service centre staff Yeap Poh Looi, 48, and Ting Siok Ing, 65.
The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on Sept 25 this year, the 15th day of the eighth lunar month.
Traditionally associated with harvest celebrations and worship of the moon, it is now widely marked by family gatherings, lanterns, and mooncakes.
