BRICKFIELDS, the colourful Little India of the federal capital, once again welcomed Deepavali in style.
On Monday evening, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo officiated the annual Deepavali Music and Arts Fiesta at the township's iconic Elephant Roundabout in Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Kuala Lumpur.
The hour-long event featured about 10 performances by traditional dance troupes and singers from around the Klang Valley, entertaining shoppers along the bustling street.
More than 2,000 people gathered at the festival's stage in front of Sentral Suites.
Present at the event were festival organiser Pertubuhan Pusat Aduan Rakyat Malaysia president Datuk A Chandrakumanan, FWG Group chairman Datuk Seri Ghandi Muthusamy, Asia Security Services chairman Datuk Seri Dr S. Prabakaran, Yayasan Bank Rakyat chairman Muhammad Khalil Kader Mydin and Oscar Holiday chairman Johnson Francis.
In his speech, Gobind said the festival, which has been organised since 2008, is an important event to promote the culture and arts of the Malaysian Indian community and showcase the country's cultural diversity.
"It is great that this festival is part of Tourism Malaysia's Calendar of Events 2024, and it serves as an important platform to showcase Malaysia's rich cultural heritage.
"With mesmerising rhythms and joyful dances, this event captures the spirit of Deepavali, which celebrates the triumph of light over darkness," he said.
Gobind added that the government had allocated RM130 million in the recent Budget 2025 to implement various programmes for the Malaysian Indian business community, with an emphasis on skills training.
"We have also allocated RM1 billion to maintain all types of schools, including Tamil schools, and RM50 million to renovate and upgrade non-Muslim houses of worship."
Chandrakumanan said his association had provided assistance to more than 500 families from the B40 group, while Yayasan Bank Rakyat, Yayasan MRCB, Nestle and Kumar's Bangsar had also reached out in aid of the needy by supporting the festival.
Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair has also contributed RM1,000 each to 15 needy local artistes in conjunction with Deepavali, he added.
"The slogan 'Malaysia Truly Asia' is a true description of this country, which is rich in cultural diversity.
"Deepavali is one major festival that highlights this spirit meaningfully," Chandrakumanan said.