JOHOR BAHRU, 9 November 2013 – Joyous mood filled the air at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture’s Deepavali National Open House celebrations at the Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru, here this evening.

The event, organised in cooperation with the Johor State Government, was also graced by the country’s top leaders, namely  the Prime Minister,  Dato’ Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak and  wife,  Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor; Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin,  and   wife,  Datin Seri Rosni Omar; the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment who is also the MIC President,  Dato’ Seri G. Palanivel and wife,  Datin Seri Kanagam Ramanujam as well as the Minister of Tourism and Culture,  Dato’ Seri Mohamad Nazri Abdul Aziz, as  host of the event. 

“Hosting of National Open Houses, like Deepavali, further strengthens the 1Malaysia spirit amongst the rakyat besides bonding unity and understanding,  as well as appreciating  the rich  arts and heritage amongst Malaysians.

Besides the country’s awesome natural beauty, it is the myriad of colourful cultures and traditions that draws tourists from all over the world to Malaysia especially  in conjunction with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year  (VMY) 2014 where we have lined a whole year of exciting celebrations, “ said Dato’ Seri Mohamad Nazri.

Among the crowd of thousands were MegaFam participants, from Singapore and China, foreign tourists and locals. The crowd were treated with wholesome of delicacies and activities, which began at 2.30pm. 

The carnival activities included traditional games, musical and classical indian dance performances, buskers show, handicrafts exhibition, Visit Malaysia Year (VM) 2014 exhibition, as well as demonstrations on malai floral arrangement, kolam, thoranum knot, henna and rangoli. Visitors were also treated to traditional Indian delicacies including masalavadei, laddu, murukku, putu mayam and tosai.

Among popular artistes  who kept the crowd entertained at the event were Chakra Sonic, Lock Up, Shruthi, Shamila Sivaguru, Rahmat Mega, Nassier Wahab and the Temple of Fine Arts which showcased some of the incredible Indian traditional dance moves.

The Deepavali National Open House is one of six national-level Open Houses, organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture which includes the Chinese New Year, Tadau Kaamatan, Gawai Dayak, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Christmas.

ENDS

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Prepared by Corporate Communications Unit, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia

T: +603 – 8000 8000 or email: info@motac.gov.my