Thanaletchumi preparing the family home for Deepavali with help from her husband and son, blending festive traditions with the warmth of a celebration shared together. (Bernama pic)KOTA BHARU: Spend a few minutes listening to G Thanaletchumi chat with family and neighbours and you might forget, briefly, that Deepavali preparations are underway.
Her Kelantan dialect is thick and effortless, while ulam and budu are as familiar at the family table as curry and thosai. Yet when the Festival of Lights approaches, the traditions she grew up with remain firmly in place.
Known affectionately as “Mek Kelate Mek Manis”, the 48-year-old sees no contradiction in that blend. Kelantan culture has become part of everyday life, while Tamil, Indian food and festive customs continue to anchor the family’s sense of heritage.
