The Star Malaysia - Star2

Lighting up your festive season

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THE ‘Ray of Lights’ illuminate­s, blesses and embraces one lovingly at Queensbay Mall this Deepavali.

With a captivatin­g programme lined up, shoppers will get to experience the wonders of the Hindu celebratio­n, also known as the Festival of Lights.

Falling in October or November every year, the occasion is a meaningful reminder for one to celebrate life with joy, success and togetherne­ss.

Deepavali day starts with a traditiona­l oil bath, followed by prayers and seeking blessings from elders, as well as dressing up in new clothes. Oil lamps are lighted up at homes during the night of the celebratio­n.

As ‘Deepa’ means lights while ‘Avali’ means row of lights, this signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and ignorance over awareness.

All through the season, there will also be colourful decoration­s, intricate kolams and firecracke­rs, as well as delicacies such as murukku, tosai, idli, mutton curry, chicken curry and sweet ladoo.

Central to festivitie­s at Queensbay Mall is a majestic peacock, rising some 4.57m high and unfurling golden tail feathers, at the mall’s Central Atrium.

Portraying elegance and grandeur, it showers abundance and auspicious­ness on shoppers and is one of the most glorious photo-taking backdrops in town.

There is a deeper meaning to the festive decoration­s. Gold is significan­t for Indian communitie­s the world over, symbolisin­g prosperity and well-being. It is given as a gift during child birth, when a girl reaches purberty, and also during engagement­s and weddings.

The peacock is also regarded as a mythical bird often associated closely to Lord Muruga — a favourite deity among the Tamilians. Art pieces in Hindu temples feature peacocks prominentl­y in the design.

Queensbay Mall’s Ray of Lights-themed celebratio­ns will kick off with a launching ceremony with 30 underprivi­leged children from the Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya at 3pm on Oct 21.

As in previous festive occasions, the home will receive a donation and goodies from the mall as part of its Corporate Social Responsibi­lity initiative.

There would also be traditiona­l dance performanc­es from the Temple of Fine Arts, so drop by the mall and watch the heartwarmi­ng occasion.

Mark your calendars for more showcases. At 3pm on Oct 27 and 2pm on Nov 4, there are Sitar and Tabla Indian traditiona­l instrument­s performanc­es.

Let the soothing symphonies serenade you. More than just music to the ears, these are billed as sounds for the soul.

Remember to catch the Indian dance performanc­e sandwiched between those at 2pm on Nov 3. The definition of elegance and grace, its synchronis­ed movements are sure to enthrall audiences. All shows are at the Central Atrium.

The mall is having a Packet of Joy Redemption from Oct 26 onwards. Those spending RM300 and above in a single receipt (RM200 for HSBC cardholder­s) will get to redeem a set of Deepavali packets while stocks last.

A Winter Warmers Voucher Redemption starts Oct 27 onwards. Redeem a RM10 cash rebate voucher from the outlet when spending at least RM200 in a single receipt (limited to first 100 shoppers only).

The Joyful Gift Idea With The Body Shop from Nov 3 onwards allows the first 100 shoppers who spend RM500 in a single receipt (RM400 for HSBC cardholder­s) to redeem one travel pack from the brand.

Be sure to get your entries in for the Year End Sale Lucky Draw running from Nov 3 to Dec 31.

Shopping vouchers worth up to RM9,000 are up for grabs.

To get an entry form, just spend RM150 or more in a single receipt.

All lucky draw entries and redemption­s are to be claimed at the Informatio­n Counter.

With all these fun and exciting events scheduled, Queensbay Mall is surely one of the best places to take the family and shop throughout the festive season.

 ??  ?? (Top) With attractive redemption­s available, Queensbay is a great place to shop for your festive apparels. (Left) The majestic peacock stands proud at the mall’s Central Atrium to shower auspicious­ness on shoppers this Deepavali.
(Top) With attractive redemption­s available, Queensbay is a great place to shop for your festive apparels. (Left) The majestic peacock stands proud at the mall’s Central Atrium to shower auspicious­ness on shoppers this Deepavali.

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