Deepavali Carnival at Little India in Brickfields

Shoppers thronged Little India in Brickfields, KL for their Deepavali shopping.


Shoppers walking along the sidewalks where makeshift stalls are set-up.


View of Little India along Jalan Tun Sambanthan in Brickfields, KL. The white-top makeshift stalls are set up along the sidewalks on both side of the street.


Shoppers checking out the clothings of various designs and colours at the makeshift stalls.
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Deepavali cookies packed in plastic containers for modern convenience.


Sweet delights – varieties of delicious and irresistible Indian sweetmeats and coconut candies on sale.


Shoppers are spoilt for choice with lots of colourful and pretty bangles to choose from.


Statues of Indian deities such as the elephant-faced-deity popularly known as Ganesha on sale at the stall.


Attractive potteries for those who look for intricate designs.


Sambrani incense used in spiritual ceremonies since ancient times. Its smoke creates a soothing atmosphere of calm serenity.


You can have your hands drawn with Henna body art design by this woman who said she was trained in "henna tattoos" in India.


Fresh colourful flower garlands hung on stall for sale.

Deepavali is just around the corner. Hindus across the country will be celebrating the festival of lights on Monday October 27, 2008 which is less than a week away. Deepavali is a national public holiday in Malaysia except in Sabah and Sarawak.

If you are at Little India in Brickfields at this time, you can feel the air of festivity all around you. Yes if you want to get into the Deepavali mood, this is the place and its great feelings here.

There are over 550 colourful makeshift stalls licensed by City Hall offering a variety of items setup along the sidewalks on both sides of Jalan Tun Sambanthan and surrounding areas. Shoppers checking out the stalls and shops along the narrow sidewalks to get good bargains.

I am not a Hindu but I made a trip down Little India in Brickfields today Sunday 19, 2008 to get a fascinating glimpse of the colours, pomps and lively carnival atmosphere of the festive bazaar.

So when I reached Little India about 2.00pm, there was no big crowd maybe because of the hot afternoon sun. The heat from the sun was killing! I watched Little India fascinated as I walked along the sidewalks with my camera clicking at the colourful sights, sounds and actions at the Deepavali carnival.


Info:

1. Deepavali is colorful festival that is celebrated by all Hindus worldwide is Deepavali, which is also known as the festival of lights. This festival usually falls around late October and November. One important practice that the Hindus follow during the festival is to light oil lamps in their homes on Deepavali morning. By lighting the oil lamps, the Hindus are thanking the gods for the happiness, knowledge, peace and wealth that they have received. The Hindus consider Deepavali as one of the most important festivals to celebrate.

2. The Legend - The story goes that Narakasura, a demon, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. Under his rule, the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace. Seeing his wickedness, Lord Khrishna set out to destroy the demon and the day Narakasura died was celebrated as Deepavali, the triumph of good over evil!