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http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/17/central/17453876&sec=central
By BAVANI M Photo by T.K.LIM
bavanim@thestar.com.my
THE Hindu New Year gathering held at the Kalamandapam in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday was to bring the community together and create awareness on the many traditional aspects of the auspicious event.
Organised by the Malaysian Ceylonese Congress (MCC), Jalan Kelang Lama branch, it showcased a skit featuring a typical Hindu New celebration at home.
Jalan Kelang Lama MCC chairman K. Paramaraj said the skit was aimed at educating the younger generation on the reasons of the celebration and customs performed that day.
“It’s just our way of reminding people of the traditional aspects of the day as well as bringing the community together to foster solidarity and harmony among members,” he said.
Informative: The Hindu New Year skit showing a typical celebration at home. J. Alysha, 6, the youngest performer in the skit, said she did not realise the meaning behind the New Year until she started practising for the skit.
“It’s a special day and there’s lot’s of food and we get ang pow,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity to learn about our culture as well as boost our confidence,” added P. Shaman, 16, who also acted in the skit.
Guest-of-honour and MCC president Datuk Dr N.K.S. Tharmaseelan said the gathering was a good way to promote fellowship among members.
Some 200 from various MCC branches in the Klang Valley attended the event.
“We have about 15 branches in the Klang Valley and events like this should be carried out more often so that the younger generation are constantly re-minded of their culture and traditions,” he added.
After the 30-minute skit, guests enjoyed a traditional dance called kollatam or stick dance.
The event ended with a typical Sri Lankan traditional dinner
