Melaka: The Deepavali Bazaar in conjunction with the Festival of Lights celebration in Melaka, which has been operating since October 7 in Little India Jalan Bendahara, will continue for two weeks.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka MIC chairman Datuk VP Shanmugam stated that the bazaar, featuring 40 stalls selling clothes and various types of food and traditional Indian sweets, is anticipated to draw visitors from multiple racial backgrounds, including both local and international tourists.

"The Deepavali Bazaar is an annual event eagerly awaited not only by the Indian community for festival preparations but also by other races due to the array of traditional foods on offer, such as pani puri and muruku," Shanmugam explained. In addition to the bazaar, artistic and cultural performances by the Indian community will be held for five days starting on October 14.

Shanmugam, who serves as the state Youth, Sports and NGO Exco, highlighted that the event's highlight would be performances by local artists, including Zubir Khan on October 17. The event is expected to be officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

In celebration of Deepavali, 84 students from Tamil schools across Melaka, comprising orphans and children from B40 families, were taken shopping for new clothes for the festival. Shanmugam noted that this aid is part of an annual program aimed at alleviating the financial burden on families during Deepavali, thereby bringing joy to the children involved.

Meanwhile, Shanmugam, who is also Gadek assemblyman, announced that the Rahmah MADANI Sale will also be held in conjunction with Deepavali at Japerun Gadek and Jalan Rezeb Kampung Ganun this Saturday, October 11, beginning at 8 am. Various items will be available at reduced prices, including fresh chicken at RM8 per piece and other essential goods.