By: Aida Aziz
IPOH, – No Deepavali celebration feels complete without kacang putih, and Kampung Kacang Puteh in Buntong remains the go-to destination for this signature festive snack.
Equally lively is Little India, where colourful tents have sprung up selling festive attire, traditional food, and prayer essentials in conjunction with the Festival of Lights.
A check at both locations found many members of the Indian community making their final preparations for the celebration, which falls on Monday.
- Vijayan, who travelled from Kuala Lumpur, said he often makes a stop at Buntong to buy murukku ahead of the festival.
“I live in Kuala Lumpur, but I happened to visit my sister here. My wife and I always buy murukku from this area, it’s delicious and hard to find this kind of taste anywhere else,” he said.
Meanwhile, N. Vilasini from Tanjung Rambutan said her children would be returning home to celebrate Deepavali together this year.
“I usually make murukku myself, but I came to Buntong to buy other types of kacang putih. On Deepavali morning, we’ll have our traditional oil bath, perform prayers, and enjoy thosai, idli, or apam for breakfast,” she shared when met at D.N.S Kacang Putih.
A visitor from Tapah, I. Letchumenen, said he was accompanying his niece from Kuala Lumpur to stock up on kacang putih for the festival.
According to S. Vellan, owner of CTS Kacang Puteh, customers began shopping for the festive treats two weeks ago.
“Outstation customers usually come earlier, while local buyers tend to do their shopping at the last minute. This family-run business, now in its third generation, welcomes not only Indian customers but people of all races,” he said.
Over at Little India, the atmosphere was equally festive with numerous stalls set up and bustling with visitors.
Henna art booths drew a steady stream of customers of all backgrounds, while a 75-year-old vendor could be seen handcrafting jasmine garlands, a tradition she has continued since her teenage years.
The jasmine garlands, often used in temple prayers during Deepavali, were priced between RM2 and RM10.
At Sairam Selection, another popular stall selling clothes, food, and drinks, the family business has embraced social media to stay competitive.
“This business has been running for 29 years, and we now sell on TikTok to keep up with the online trend. Customers can visit our booth here until Monday or check out our products on TikTok under ‘Turgaasre’,” they said.
Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most significant celebrations for Hindus worldwide, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
