Kuala lumpur: As Malaysians prepare to celebrate Deepavali, the Malaysian National News Agency's (Bernama) top management shared fond memories and favourite festive treats that remind them of the beauty of Malaysia's multicultural spirit.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai expressed his nostalgic connection to the Festival of Lights, emphasizing his fondness for traditional Indian snacks, particularly murukku. He shared how, since childhood, he eagerly awaited the delivery of murukku during Deepavali. Despite health advisories, he continues to cherish mutton curry as his favourite dish.
Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai highlighted the unique harmony in Malaysia, where festivals such as Deepavali, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Christmas are celebrated together, reflecting the nation's peace and unity. Reminiscing about his childhood in Penang, he fondly recalled the mesmerizing decorative lights that adorned homes and temples during the festival.
Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin shared her Deepavali food preferences, citing thosai, briyani, and sweets like laddu as her favourites. She recounted her cherished childhood memories of growing up alongside an Indian family in her neighborhood, whom she considered her second family. Her deep connection with the family was nurtured by a tuition teacher who treated her like her own child.
Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj emphasized the importance of family gatherings and reunions during Deepavali. He nostalgically described his favourite festive delicacies, including mutton curry, thosai, and kallu urundai, a hard sweet made of mung beans and brown sugar. He lamented the shift from the personal touch of handwritten Deepavali cards to digital greetings and QR code angpows.
Zurich Malaysia contributed to the Deepavali celebrations by sponsoring hot drinks and evening snacks at Bernama's lobby, featuring masala tea, bru coffee, vadai, and curry puffs from Tea Thambi, marking the festive occasion.