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.

skillfully executed

proud

garment of orchids

spectacular plumage with 'eyes'

The Mangroves of Kuala Selangor Nature Park

kuala selangor

3Nov. with perfect weather, a group of volunteers coached out to Kuala Selangor , a 1.5hrs drive from KL city. Our task primarily was to steadily rehabilitate an area of mature mangrove forests that had been indiscriminately cleared for commercial activities.

Fortunately, it was discovered and stopped in time by the Malaysian Nature Society. Nevertheless, the damage had been done and now, through regular media attention, more people and corporations are aware of this dilemma and are offering funds and resources to heal this particular area.

devastation

The best place to start this education was afforded us at the peaceful retreat of the nature park run by a team of passionate and ever vigilant staff members of the MNS. Lots more interesting information on the importance and protection of the mangrove ecosystem in our environment, effects of global warming, habitat flora & fauna including tourist accommodation and migratory bird watching can also be found at KSNP Malaysia.

MNS office

Mangroves serve as an intertidal buffer zone and stabilises the coastal areas especially the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia. It is also a major nursery for the provision of habitat for marine life. It's hard to imagine that the smelly (yes, smelly!) muddy flats come "alive" teeming with such a diverse collection of molluscs, colourful crustaceans, small fishes (mudskippers) and microorganisms.

Sonneratia alba (respiratory root species)

Rhizophora mucronata (stilt root species)

entrance to mangrove planting site

"how to" with traditional implement on the left

mucking in

newly planted - 300 saplings for the day

sapling planted 4months ago

after 2 years

great looking 'fences'

Despite some hilarious 'stuck in the mud' situations (anxious, for those involved!!) we managed to complete task in 2hrs, by which time, the midday sun was scorching.

Headed back to the park and were given complimentary use of hostel facilities to clean up prior to a well deserved lunch for the famished bunch - a bit of exercise certainly helped whet the appetites...

Distance from KSNP to mangrove planting area :-
- 10mins by aircond coach
- 10mins by non-aircond old school bus (off road conditions)
- 500m walk to tent site (collect wellies, gloves and bottled water)
- another 200m walk from tent site to planting site (squishy, squashy muddy ...)
Reverse sequence for return trip.

The Pink October Month

How the month has flown!  This belated post is in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness, a global campaign held during the month of the 10 each year for the last 25 years!

Being in the "pink of health" has and always will be a notable ideal until some malignant cell illness strikes us or our loved ones or anyone we know, that this colour term suddenly takes on its appropriate true meaning.

However, being aware and informed is half the battle won.  Detailed information can be sought at the Pink Ribbon International Organisation.

And for the first time ever, the historical Sultan Abdul Samad Building in KL was 'dressed' in pink to highlight this noble cause!

Areca catechu in foreground

trunk of Roystonea regia

pretty in pink