Russian student celebrates in style
GEORGE TOWN: Although Russian student Elena Franchuk has been here for the past seven years, tomorrow will be her first time celebrating Deepavali with her Hindu friends.
She even dressed up in a red saree – complete with a bindi on her forehead – to join her friends in lighting up scented candles at the Temple of Fine Arts, where a kolam had been drawn to welcome the Hindu goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, as well as guests for the festival.
“The whole celebration is so warm as people share what they love, which is beautiful. People from near and far also come together on this occasion,” she said.
This being the first time that she had worn a traditional saree, the 23-year-old said she found tying the garment trickier than expected.
“I’ve tried ready-made sarees before. But today, my friends helped me with the tying and I must say I feel more comfortable this time.
“It’s all part of the celebration which makes up a diverse Malaysia,” said Franchuk.
Shafina Ahmad, 25, who has Pakistani-Punjabi roots in her family, said like other festivals in Malaysia, Deepavali is an occasion to bring people together.
“Usually, we would dress in our Punjabi suits and visit homes to sample food and mingle with our close friends,” she said.
For student V. Kumar Kartik, 23, Deepavali represents a special bonding time with his family.
“We start the day with prayers. Later, we will help out with the cooking and baking in the kitchen for the sweetmeat and muruku to be served to our relatives from overseas.
“Not just Deepavali, every festival is special and unique,” he said.
Also present at the celebration was Temple of Fine Arts chairman P. Murugiah, who urged the community to take the opportunity to share their love and care for each other.
“As one country, we should give a helping hand to those who need help and build friendships,” he said.