MELAKA, Nov 9 — Deepavali celebrations by the Melaka Chetti community at Kampung Chetti here on Sunday had a distinctively festive atmosphere, with the Festival of Lights marked by a spirit of goodwill, harmony and family togetherness.
Although only about 30 families are understood to remain in the heritage village, the lively Deepavali celebrations, featuring several unique traditions, demonstrate the minority community’s continued commitment to preserving its distinctive customs and identity, passed down since the era of the Melaka Sultanate.
Deepavali celebrations in this heritage settlement differ from those observed by other Hindu communities, particularly among Indians. Among the distinctive traditions is the practice of temple priests delivering prasadam and visiting homes to bless each family.
