Despite not being Indian nor practicing Hinduism, I am Malaysian.

And being Malaysian means having ONE Malaysian culture, Deepavali is part of it. It is not surprising how we have fond memories of Deepavali too!

My interracial childhood involved playing, interacting, learning, hanging out & growing up with my pre-school, primary school, high school, college mates & uni mates of Indian descent  felt like it was only yesterday 

When I was a child of five, my next-door neighbour was a jolly Indian boy, whom I called, "thambi". 

I would watch with great interest, when his father decorated their door with garlands of flowers & colourful LED lights as Deepavali approaches.

In high school, several of my closest friends were Indian too.

I remember celebrating this festival of lights with them when they welcomed me into their homes during Deepavali. The food & spices were simply mouthwatering! 

I still enthuse over the kaleidoscope of Kolams beautifully designed on the floor! 

Those brightly coloured rice in distinct, geometrical Rangoli patterns never failed to fascinate me 

Here's to hoping I get to celebrate Deepavali with my Indian friends again this year.

httpv://youtu.be/E9v9ZIIRxw8

A clip on the Classical Indian Dance which I found really interesting! 

For Petronas, it has always been their intention to help promote and inculcate underlying values from the diverse heritage, tradition and cultures that brings all Malaysians together, for all their festive campaigns.

The rest of their festive campaign's key driver 'Be the Light – A Celebration of Culture and Tradition' will feature exhibitions and series of greetings.

The said Deepavali exhibition which will take place at GALERI PETRONAS, inclues a series of cultural activities such as Henna drawings, Classical Indian dances, the Art of Kollam, Indian traditional costumes and more.

If you're up for it, you can see the full list & schedule –  here

httpv://youtu.be/ylIgbqB_WYE

That being said, have a wonderful Deepavali celebration, my Hindu friends & readers! 

தீபாவளி நல்வாழ்த்துக்க  

May you enjoy this year's festival of lights!

That time of the year is over again!
When Muslims fast for the entire day and when all restaurants get jam-packed at approximately 7.30pm, you know it’s the Ramadhan month
 
I was in Kuantan, Pahang a few weeks ago to help facilitate The Star BRATs young journalist workshop and something caught my attention. There was Ramadhan spirit in the air all around us!
 

Whilst in Makhota Square to join the entire ‘buka puasa’ session in the evening, we were pleasantly surprised to see hundreds and hundreds of Muslims from different families and backgrounds all gathering together while breaking their fast ala picnic style!
 

Random shot the famous mosque of Penang when I was roaming the streets one fine day
 

Anyways, they were all eating on the grassy field with a huge mosque – fully lighted up in all its glory – in the background! What a picturesque Ramadhan moment indeed. Now, if only I managed to alight that car and capture the scenic moment on camera 🙁
 

Speaking of which, I’ve something to share with all of you.

In conjunction with Ramadhan and Aidilfitri, we will get to enjoy an additional 20% talktime which will be automatically credited into your accounts when you activate/reload your iTalk card from the 1st September to 31st October! 😀

 
With more talktime, it gives you all the more reason to call your loved ones at home to tanya khabar right!? So quickly go reload now while this promo lasts 😀
 

But that’s not all! TM Online contents can now be purchased through iTalk
Hypptunes
E-Browse
B-SmartXpress
Gamezone
MUTV Online
Click on any of the websites above to be redirected!
 

 
Thanks TM for the promotion this festive month!

Here’s to wishing you ‘Salam Aidilfitri’ and have a great Hari Raya ahead

Now that the Raya holidays are over, it's back to the fast and furious lifestyle of work.
 

Drive safely on the roads and welcome back folks!