Timeout!

This was taken at a Charity Food & Fun Fair held in Petaling Jaya cerently. I couldn't imagine getting to the other corner as the air filled structure was a little shaky and with bigger children jumping on it, I was afraid I might get bounced off.

It was a scary moment but at my age, standing rock steady on it was quite an accomplishment.

The Deepavali Lunch

Every year it's customary for us to have a grand lunch on the 2nd or 3rd day of Deepavali. It depends on the Tamil Calender and this lunch commemorates the completion of the Gowri Fast. Grandma has been observing this fast annually well before me and daddy was born.


All the ingredients are prepared the day before and refrigerated prior to cooking in the morning. It's a full fledge Vegetarian meal served on Banana leaves.


Equipped with versatile culinary skills, everybody lends a hand to complete all 7 dishes. I had a chance to see so many different types of vegetables that's commonly used for south indian dishes. The cooking takes longer time to prepare and with extensive use of coconut milk, it contributes to high oil contents and sugar to our diet.


All cooked and ready to be served. Grand Uncle and his family joined us and we even packed some for our neighbour. Since everyone was on a vegetarian diet, I savoured on the Nestle Infant Cereal Rice & Mixed Vegetables.

Happy Deepavali!

Whoopee! Deepavali is here.There are various alleged origins attributed to this festival. Some hold that they celebrate the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. In Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Kali. It also commemorates that blessed day on which the triumphant Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. On this day also Sri Krishna killed the demon Narakasura.

There is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. The elders were up before sunrise while daddy and me decided to sleep in a while longer. We took our shower and put on our new clothes. We had our prayers at home before heading to the temple where the prayers are held in accordance with the ceremonial rites.


We performed our prayers at the Sri Subramaniar Temple at Jalan Ipoh in KL. It's a huge temple where parking is always a challenge; if it's under a tree, we get bird droppings but out on the open field the tyres roll-on cowdung.

After the prayers, we exchanged 'angpows' (money gifts in small coloured packets). Normally the little one in the house gets the whole loot, in our family I'll do the collection.


This year, we decided to share the joy with the rest of the KL folks by joining the celebration at the MIC (The indian political party in Malaysia) Open House held at the PWTC's Merdeka Hall. The Who's Who of Malaysian politics were all there.


I couldn't shake hands with the man himself, Datuk Seri Samy Vellu. He was the longest serving minister in the Cabinet of Malaysia. Pursued by scandals, corruption allegations, and charges of lack of effectiveness, he suffered a shocking defeat in his parliamentary constituency in the 12th Malaysian General Election.


There was not much to choose from but there were enough lines so people need not rush and stand in long que. There's a section at 4th floor where the portrait of Malaysia's former premier's were made available for public viewing. I took the opportunity to pay my respect to a profound leader who took Malaysia to another level. Thank You Sir!


That's me ... camouflage. Since my dress and the PWTC carpet has the same design, it was hard to say if i'm around. Quite a disguise I must say.

When we got home, I got a pleasant surprise. Our family friend who used to live opposite our house paid a visit with his 3 children. I was very busy extertaining them. We spent the whole afternoon playing, visiting my grand uncle and even found time to distribute goodies to our neighbours with them.


After an hour nap in the evening I was up again and back to more fireworks and we went back to Grand uncle's house for dinner. There I was introduced to his pet dachshund. Cute fellow unlike the ferocious Aathi.

Deepavali - 1 More Day to Go!

Tommorrow is Deepavali. Almost there, but certain things has to be kept till the very last minute. For example, the hanging of the cards that we received from family and friends. Well it has to be the last cause my hands gets very 'ichy'... hehe


The cookies needs to be filled up.


The cookies filled up and arranged at the coffee table. We are ready!


It's the family tradition to play the fireworks on the eve ... normally right before midnight to usher in Deepavali. My heart was pounding to every explosion both in fear for daddy's safety and the excitement in his daredevil act.

Deepavali - 2 Days to Go!

The tradition of fireworks has been associated with the celebrations of Deepavali since time immemorial and is still followed with much enthusiasm.

It is a common belief that bright lights at home and skies with fireworks is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. These days, it is said that the lighting of fireworks leads to fumes, which have the potential of killing insects and mosquitoes.


This is what it's all about, the illumination of the skies with fantastic displays of fireworks. Much like the one recently presented for the Opening ceremony of the summer olympics.


This is what daddy got for me. I know it's against the law here, but these are harmless. Even the red packet supposedly holds the fiery crackers used for Chinese New Year is of a smaller version. Daddy says fireworks is like burning money hence the limited items. Kinda sad but it's better than nothing.

Note:-

I, Satyajothey, do declare as follows:

1.) I am not part of lighting up or any action that may directly be involved with fireworks. I am below the age of 18.

2.) I do not advocate the lighting up of fireworks and no children should play them without adult supervision.

I have personal, firsthand knowledge of facts contained within this declaration, and could completely testify thereto if called upon to do so.

Deepavali - 3 Days to Go!

Wow .... time really flies. It was just like yesterday I started blogging and I've reached my 30th post with 3 days to Deepavali. What a way to celebrate.

My wardrobe collection is ever increasing, from my own little cabinet to sharing mommy's side of the cupboard. Non of us wanna share daddy's half cause he's got all of his old clothes from his younger days that he doesn't wanna get rid off. Sentimental reasons he says.


My Deepavali Collection. The one on the right is the sleeveless punjabi suit for the morning prayer followed by the red T-Shirt and the Manchester United Jersey for home wear. On top is the evening batik dress and a white blouse with matching jeans. And night wear is the 2 sets on your left.

Each one is purchase by Daddy, Mommy, Grandpa and Aunty. There's more but I don't think I can fit in them yet cuase they were bought slightly larger in size. Daddy says I'll grow into it.

Speaking about that, daddy is not getting any new clothes this year cause he's blown all his allocation on his new toy.

His spanking new Sony Ericsson C902. The shots that were posted in the last 2 days were all taken using this phone. It's a 5.0 megapixel camera phone with all the latest features bundled in.

It's a sad farewell to his SE K750i that served well for 2 years and took brilliant shots for my blog. I'm sure the the C902 will live up to the legacy of the K series.

Deepavali - 4 Days to Go!

We are almost done. Cleaning, Shopping, Baking and even mowing the lawn is completed. What's pending is preparing the serving dish for the goodies and also cleaning up the prayer room for the big day.


These are the traditional delicacies that were home made except for the 2 large containers on your right. Those we bought through a family friend.

While these colourful cookies are all purchased. The purple and pink ones on your left is actually pineapple tarts shaped into mangosteen and pink guava. Clever way of selling an age old biscuit.

The other outstanding sweet stuff is the 'Payasam'. The word is derived from Sanskrit which loosely means nectar. We're having it on the 3rd day of Deepavali when Grandma prepares a feast to complete her fasting regime.

What's in this wonderful dessert ... vermicelli, fresh milk, sugar, cardamom powder, ghee and topped up with cashews and raisins. Need I say more?

Deepavali - 5 Days to Go!

Since the cleaning takes place everyday and major cleaning weekly by Aunty Maid, we skipped the scrubbing and washing. That means the decorations can start and indeed it has.


The petals on the lotus is layered nicely to give that 3D effect. Of course if the lamps had little LED flashing in red and orange then that would be really cool especially in the dark.

Although everyone is fond of sending e-Cards since it's free and saves time, nothing beats the traditional snail mail.

Selecting, buying, writing your wishes, licking the envelope to seal it, addressing it to family and friends, lining up at the post office to buy stamps and dropping it in the mail box ... Nahhh.

I'll stick to the e-Card.

Timeout!

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. So we took timeoff from the Deepavali hassle and headed down to Metro Prima. Daddy decided to hop on.


This one's a new addition, a sea patrol boat. The rocking effect gave me a headache.


We still did some minor shopping for items that we might have missed out and food stuff at the supermarket.

Deepavali - 6 Days to Go!

The preparation continues. Grandpa got very busy fixing the twinkle lights, the cables must have been giving him a hard time. The end result ... electrifying!


Our neighbours are Hindus too and they've started their preparations as well. Ours is much prettier ... right?


The curtains was a little difficult cause they were heavy. I was busy collecting the clips and putting them back into the bag. Grandma says this is our 'Special Set'. This set for the doors and windows are only used for important occasions and during festivity.


Once the celebration is over. We put up our regular set. No wonder it's preserved well.

Deepavali - 7 Days to Go!

It's exactly 7 days before Hindus all over the world celebrate Deepavali (Festival of Lights). It's celebrated marking the triumph of good over evil.

The countdown starts with exclusive coverage of the preparations made at home, Daddy calls it 'Satyavin Athiradi Deepavali' (Satya's Rocking Deepavali) since the whole festivity is centered on me.

This year's delicacies are mostly ready-made but the yearly tradition of making Murukku albeit without much help since everyone is busy with work, Grandma shoulders it on.

It may expand to include the 3rd generation as I have been on a mission trying to get a grip of some of these goodies. You have to taste them first before attempting to make. The other must have are the ghee urundai, achi murukku, athirasam, omma puddi and of course biscuits.

This is the scene at the very same Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman but switched from Raya to Deepavali as they fall within the same month. The family opt to buy the cookies so that we can savour more varieties. There's going to be tarts and butter ones if i remember correctly.

While the world ponders on the financial situation, we are going for an elaborate celebration with watchful eyes on the spendings this year.

Ayudha Pooja

Last Wednesday was the 9th day of the Navarathi Pooja which is also the day of the Ayudha Pooja (ayutham = weapon in Tamil but in this context, it more implies "tools"). It is a worship of whatever implements one may use in one's livelihood. On the prayer day, it is traditional to place these implements on an altar to the Divine.

Everyone at home had their 'tools' kept in front of the altar ...grandma with her sewing kit, Daddy with his laptop. My trusted weapon is also there as you can see ....

After all the setup, grandpa conducted the pooja. This year I was given the honour of ringing the bell. Although I got hold of the smallest one, it ain't easy as it seems.

Then we all settled down to a simple and scrumptious dinner made by grandma.

My Guardian Angel

This is Athi. He was named after Indian Actor Vijay's gruesome movie. It was an appropriate name for a rottweiler doberman cross breed.

He's so fierce, daddy was bitten twice!

I'm never allowed anywhere near him but he's always on the look out when I'm around. From the bread vendor to the paper delivery guy, everyone who comes close to our house gate ... gets an earful.

Toddling @ Jalan Tengku Kelana

The ever famous street in Klang and a very familiar spot for indians this time of the year. Although it's the 2nd day of Raya, Deepavali mood kicked in big time!

Sale ! Sale ! ... all the major textiles competing in price slash ads like no other. This is just one of the hot spots, I heard there's more in KL Town.

The sarees came in all sorts of colours and materials. Daddy says the trend these days is to have them named after famous indian movie actresses for the sales to pick up. What tinkered my mind was why name some after Indian Drama Serials? Hmmm...

Daddy couldn't wait till I posed nicely next to this lovely brunette mannequin. So real with all the hairdo and accessory that I'm very sure shoppers will be intruded to swipe their credit cards soon enough.

Daddy says he doesn't see the connection here. New night gown for Deepavali? That's Grandma under the tent selecting, and he's not going to pay for it. Period. I better put on my angel eyes if i'm gonna get anything.

We were all tired and had a lovely Banana leaf lunch set before we headed home.

For more info on Sarees....http://www.sareeworld.com/

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Today is 1st Syawal marking the end of Ramadhan fasting and celebration time for all our muslim uncles and aunties. It's a time to forgive and forget and enjoy the festivities with loved ones.

This was taken few nights ago at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. It was bustling with people from all walks of life. Everybody ...not only the muslims were busy shopping and bargaining for good deals.

I was astounded at almost everything since this was officially the first time daddy's taken me out to a street bazaar. It was really cool.

Daddy was going on and on about all his memories shopping at Globe Silk Store but All I was interested in was at those lovely balloons. I thought I saw Mickey on one of them.

This was taken about an hour ago at PWTC. After looking at the crowd in the long que, daddy changed his mind and we left for home. Sigh.

Although I didn't get to meet Abdullah Badawi in person, I'm sure he's a very nice gentleman for hosting so many people at his open house. Selamat Hari Raya.