National Deepavali Open House 2016 at Pekan Batang Kali Yesterday

1Malaysia concept truly alive






BATANG KALI: Pekan Batang Kali was turned into a huge festival area during the National Deepavali Open House 2016 here.

Malaysians of all races came together to celebrate the Festival of Lights and enjoyed the sumptuous food on display at many stalls, while bright coloured lights illuminated the area and the main stage.

J. Arumugam, 44, attended the event with his family and expressed his admiration of the unity of Malaysians.

“Everyone from every community is here and you can see the beauty of our country’s multi-cultu­ralism,” he added.



Two friends – Ahmad Rusdi, 23, and Muhd Asrie, 22 – drove here from their home in Genting Highlands just for the event.

“We heard about the Deepavali event on the radio and decided to come and join in the fun.

“It was a great show and we enjoyed the night,” said Ahmad Rusdi.

Muhd Asrie felt that more such events should be held in the future to bring the people together.

“It goes well with our 1Malaysia concept,” he added.

Those in attendance were entertained by traditional Indian dances and performances by top local artistes such as Jaclyn Victor and Aiman Tino.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, MIC pre­sident Datuk Seri Dr S. Subrama­niam, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz, Urban Wellbeing, Hou­sing and Local Government Minis­ter Tan Sri Noh Omar and Deputy Education Minister and Hulu Selan­gor MP Datuk P. Kamalanathan.