PalmScapes: Deepavali | Festival of Lights

As I Wander...

Welcome!

Living in tropical Malaysia, we tend to take the hot humid weather, thundery rainstorms and the spectrum of wild evergreen plants as a given.

Recently, I noticed more exotic plants making its way into landscaped home gardens, recreational parks, frontages of shopping malls and

commercial buildings.

Along kerb sides of residential streets and busy motorways, palms, trees and flowering plants make pleasant and interesting fringes.

This is a record of the various species "as I see it" for I am in awe of palms. Hence, my premise for this blog is that the global garden,

i.e. every physical garden (tended or untended), becomes a part of my, simply said, cyber palm garden. ;-)

Please feel free to share your thoughts or comments.

Thank you for visiting!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Deepavali | Festival of Lights

The Hindu and Sikh communities of Malaysia observed Deepavali or Diwali on 5Nov., according to the lunar calendar. For them, it is the most important festival of the year, with families performing prayers and religious rituals over five days to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

The national holiday is marked by visiting celebrants (known and unknown!!) and sharing in their festive spread, usually of traditional cakes and goodies or even a cultural feast known locally as "open house"!

Of note is the 'kolam' or sand painting decoration at the front entrance of homes or commercial enterprises to herald the festive mood. It is created with coloured rice and rice powder, usually a very vibrant and symmetrical art piece, simple or intricate.

Am really impressed with this "piece de resistance" @ Pavilion KL by students of limkokwing University of Creative Technology.