The presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at MIC's Deepavali Open House at the Batu Caves Temple compound today certainly made the celebration of the "Festival of Lights" all the more merrier.
On arrival at 10.30am, Najib, who donned a cream kurta outfit (traditional Indian attire), was welcomed by MIC president Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam and other party leaders.
He then visited a special kolam (an art form using coloured rice) themed "Negaraku" before being accompanied to the stage by the VIPs to the cheers of the multi-racial crowd.
Drum beats, flute music and traditional dances further added to the merriment of the occasion which was also attended by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, Transport Minister and MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities and Gerakan president Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong, Malaysia's Special Envoy for Infrastructure to India and South Asia Tun S. Samy Vellu, Deputy Education Minister Datuk P. Kamalantahan and Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa.
The guests were feted to traditional Indian dishes among others like tosai, chicken masala and briyani .
Despite it being a hot day, it did not stop the crowd which also included foreign tourists from taking in the famed temple complex which has a giant statue of Lord Murugan. Selfies and wefies were the order of the day.
Najib put the finishing touch to his visit by cutting a cake before moving to the Deepavali Open House hosted by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the HGH Convention Centre in nearby Sentul.
Elizabeth Smith, 31, a tourist from Oxford, United Kingdom, said she was amazed to see such a celebration and the multiracial crowd.
"This is my first time in Malaysia and witnessing how Deepavali is celebrated here. Everything is so colourful and vibrant."
"I simply cannot wait to taste all the traditional food served at this open house," she told Bernama.
S. Ananthan, 70, said he and his wife came all the way from Ipoh to "feel the excitement" of the celebration at Batu Caves.
"Getting to see the Prime Minister up close was an added bonus," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Oct 18 2017
Najib joins MIC's Deepavali celebration at Batu Caves.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.