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KELANA JAYA MP Loh Seng Kok believes that traditional Indian art like kolam and maddai pinnutal ought to be kept alive and preserved for the younger generation.
“Kolam is a decorative design drawn using rice powder while maddai pinnutal refers to weavings made from coconut and banana leaves.
“These two arts are used during weddings and festive seasons, and are a kind of offering. Not many people, especially the younger generation, know how to create them,” he said.
Loh said this after attending the Thirumurai Vizha 2007 held at Sri Subramaniar Alayam in Bandar Sunway. The event was organised by the Malaysia Hindu Sangam in collaboration with the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ).
He is a regular guest at the yearly event which features various religious and cultural activities like Thevaram singing, Tamil recitals, religious quizzes, as well as competitions for colouring, kolam, maddai pinnutal and stringing malai flowers.
Meanwhile, Loh said that each MP has been given a RM30,000 allocation for upcoming Merdeka celebrations, and he plans to use it for several programmes in his constituency.
One is the Merdeka Splendour Carnival from Aug 17 to 19 in SS7.
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All smiles: Loh being greeted by children at the event.
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Among the activities lined up are cultural performances, sketches, exhibitions, poetry recitals, community sports and a feast.
“The carnival is organised by several groups – Kelana Indah Residents Association (RA), Kelana Mahkota RA, Umno Kelana Ehsan branch and Umno Kelana Indah Branch,” said Loh.
“We had a soft launch where we put up 50 flags at the Kelana Jaya Community Centre.
“The flags were flown at 5.50pm on July 11, which is 50 days before National Day.”
He also plans to work with MPSJ and local residents’ representatives for the Decorated Vehicle Convoy & Competition in conjunction with Merdeka Month Celebrations and MPSJ’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations and Jalur Gemilang Flag-Raising Campaign “Let’s Raise 2007”.
The competition is open to any government or private organisations and will be held on Aug 25 from 8pm to 9.30pm.
The convoy will travel from Mines Shopping Fair to MPSJ’s headquarters, and be judged by a jury panel for the competition.
The Flag-Raising Campaign will be held from Aug 1-Sept 18, and is divided into four categories: shopping malls, hotels, petrol stations and residents committee.
“There will also be a competition, where participants will be judged on the most creative but proper way of decorating an area with the national flag,” said Loh.
