Cultural Fusion: Perumal Family’s Unique Deepavali Celebration In Kelantan

KOTA BHARU, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Despite the smaller Indian community in Kelantan, the Perumal family - Ravi Chandran, 58, his wife Wilai En Chat, 58, and their children Ganesan, 29, and Gayathri, 25, are ensuring that Deepavali shines brightly in their own way as they prepare for the celebration tomorrow.

For the family, who live in Kampung Balai, Bachok, Deepavali represents the union of two cultures, blending their Indian and Siamese roots into a celebration full of warmth and meaning.

Ravi, a former pharmaceutical salesman now running Ravi Neela Curry House in Kubang Kerian, said they are keeping things simple this year with just two new sets of clothes.

“We still wear our traditional Punjabi attire because it’s comfortable, especially with the hot weather here,” he told Bernama here, today.

But simplicity doesn’t take away from the heart of the celebration. Their home is filled with the smells of traditional treats like muruku and sarang tebuan, recipes passed down from Wilai’s mother-in-law.

“I’ve learned how to make muruku from my mother-in-law since the first year we married. It’s a challenge to get it just right, but it feels good when it turns out well. The recipe is something people ask for.” Wilai said.

The couple also upholds the tradition of honouring their late parents with a prayer ritual the night before the festival, offering bananas and their favourite dishes as part of the ceremony. For their living elders, they cook the dishes they love—be it chicken or goat—showing love and respect through food.

On Deepavali morning, the family will enjoy a breakfast of South Indian favourites like tosei, vadei, and urudai, along with roti jala and chicken curry—a fusion of Indian and Malay flavours that reflect their life in Kelantan.

“We usually start the first day at my mother’s house in Wakaf Bharu, Tumpat, and then visit relatives in Kota Bharu and Bachok the next day,” Ravi said.

Although Deepavali celebrations in Kelantan may be smaller compared to other states, Ravi believes it’s the spirit of togetherness that makes it special.

“It’s the spirit of gathering that brings the celebration to life,” he said, adding that during the festival, they gather at two main temples in Kota Bharu and Tumpat to meet family and friends.

“When we meet fellow Indians, we speak in the Kelantan dialect. That’s the beauty of being part of the Kelantan Indian community—we all feel close and at home,” he said.

Despite the diversity of religions and cultures, Ravi sees Kelantan as a place where different communities blend seamlessly.

“People here are good, whether they’re Malay, Chinese, Indian, or Siamese. We’re all united by our shared love for the Kelantan dialect and culture,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gayathri shared that this year’s Deepavali feels livelier than last, with many relatives returning to Kelantan. Apart from the traditional dishes, they are also enjoying modern treats like pani puri and Gulab Jamun, which are now sold by Malay vendors.

“It’s heartwarming to see people from all communities joining in the celebration. For us, Deepavali isn’t just about the lights—it’s about the unity and togetherness it brings,” she said.

-- BERNAMA