Me and my friends Vincent, Susan and Ho decided to join in the celebration of Deepavali 2008 Malaysia Open House today Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm at the KL Sentral parking field.
The national-level Deepavali open house is an annual event organised by the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.
The open house helped to generate a sense of harmony and unity among the various races in the country.
When we reached the venue about 1.45 pm in the hot sweating afternoon there was already a huge crowd numbering a few thousands watching the performance of songs, dance and comedy sketch on the specially erected stage. Many more were waiting in queues at the various food stalls for a variety of sumptious spread to be served.
There were more than 30,000 people from different races who turned up at the event, including cabinet ministers, leaders of political parties, heads of foreign missions and tourists. Event like this helps to unite the different races in the country.
The national-level Deepavali open house is an annual event organised by the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry.
The open house helped to generate a sense of harmony and unity among the various races in the country.
When we reached the venue about 1.45 pm in the hot sweating afternoon there was already a huge crowd numbering a few thousands watching the performance of songs, dance and comedy sketch on the specially erected stage. Many more were waiting in queues at the various food stalls for a variety of sumptious spread to be served.
There were more than 30,000 people from different races who turned up at the event, including cabinet ministers, leaders of political parties, heads of foreign missions and tourists. Event like this helps to unite the different races in the country.
I can see that security was tight. I do not know but I think the police had Hindraf in mind. Hindraf had been banned under the Societies Act 1966 as of Oct 15, 2008 by the Government which claimed it promotes extremism.
No the Hindarf supporters did not turn up. Up in the sky, a white police helicopter circled above keeping a close watch. At ground level, truckloads of FRU personnel made their present visibly felt.
When the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived at 4.20 pm, he was garlanded with scented flowers and led to the VIP table guarded by six bodyguards to the accompaniment of beatings of Malay rebana, Indian dholl drum and Chinese drums. Dancers reflecting the ethnic mix and dressed in traditional costumes lined both sides of the red carpet to welcome their VIP guest who stopped briefly at one of the booths to appreciate the beautiful kolam designs on display.
When Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak went on stage to give his speech, three bodyguards also followed him on stage and stood one each at the three corners of the stage whilst another three remain at the ground closed to the rostrum where their boss stood.
A multi-cultural dance and songs performance enthralled the guests and visitors with its sparkling and exotic performance which was a kaleidoscope of colours, smells and sounds. It was Malaysia on show!
When the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived at 4.20 pm, he was garlanded with scented flowers and led to the VIP table guarded by six bodyguards to the accompaniment of beatings of Malay rebana, Indian dholl drum and Chinese drums. Dancers reflecting the ethnic mix and dressed in traditional costumes lined both sides of the red carpet to welcome their VIP guest who stopped briefly at one of the booths to appreciate the beautiful kolam designs on display.
When Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak went on stage to give his speech, three bodyguards also followed him on stage and stood one each at the three corners of the stage whilst another three remain at the ground closed to the rostrum where their boss stood.
A multi-cultural dance and songs performance enthralled the guests and visitors with its sparkling and exotic performance which was a kaleidoscope of colours, smells and sounds. It was Malaysia on show!
A traditional Indian dance performing on stage.
Dancers with elaborate make-up and colourful costumes.
Dancing with circular movements and delicate footsteps.
This dancer adorns a simple costume as compared to costumes of other dances.
Malay traditional dance performs on stage.
Dancers from different ethnic backgrounds get together.
Many were fascinated by these two young dancers.
Two pretty maidens with a garland of scented flowers wait for the arrival of VIP guest of honour.
The Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak garlanded with scented flowers upon arrival at the Deepavali 2008 Malaysia Open House.
Rousing welcome for Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Seen here is Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (blue batik shirt) who is the Minister for Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage whose ministry organized the event.
Arrival of Human Resources Minister Datuk Dr. S. Subramaniam.
Arrival of Information Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Chik.
Drummers beating the rebana to welcome VIP guests.
These men add to the festive joy with the sounds of classical Indian drums.
President of MIC Dato' Seri Samy Vellu Sangalimuthu in jovial mood.
Gerakan President Dr Koh Tsu Koon at the open house.
Standing to attention when the national anthem Negaraku was played.
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his speech said that a special task force had been set up to look into the plight of about 30,000 Indians who were born in Malaysia but did not have identity cards and birth certificates.
Security was tight. Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister-in-waiting Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak surrounded by six bodyguards who followed him closely. A police helicopter circled in the sky above to monitor the situation on the ground.
A kolam design of a peacock near the entrance venue.
This kolam is located at the VIP seating area.
Great Indian festival delicacies for everyone.
Guests were served a variety of dishes.
More than 10,000 people attended the Deepavali 2008 Malaysia Open House.
Food stalls were set up under the rows of white tents.
KL Sentral building (brown color) and the two towering hotels (Hilton & Le Meridien) can be seen in the background from the parking field where the event was held.
More pics at next post : Deepavali 2008 Malaysia Open House (2)
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