DEEPAVALI - THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT IN PENANG

The tantalisng smell of murukku, the loud Bollywood music and the scent of freshly cut jasmine signify the arrival of Deepavali in Penang. Celebrated by the Hindus on a grand scale, Deepavali falls on 26th October 2011 and is observed as a public holiday in Malaysia.

Also known as the Festival of Light, the word 'Deepavali' derives from the combination of the Sanskrit words 'Dipa' and 'Gavali', meaning 'row of lights'. During the festival, Hindus light up oil lamps in their houses and temples to symbolise the victory of good over evil, and light over darkness.

Many Hindu homes and shophouses are decorated with 'Kolam', a decorative floral motif using coloured rice on the entrance floor. The tradition of 'Kolam' revolves around the Goddess of Wealth, the deity Lakshmi as it is believed that Lakshmi will only enter a home with a 'Kolam' at the entrance.

To feel the joyous atmosphere of Deepavali celebration, a visit to Penang's Little India located in George Town is a must. Before Deepavali arrives, many Hindus throng to this famous market to buy Indian sweets, clothes, jewellery, gorgeous sarees, and other necessities. Be mesmerised by the beautifully decorated streets and shophouses and dance to lively Bollywood songs being played by the shophouses if you dare!

At the dawn of Deepavali, Hindus perform the ritual oil bath which signifies a cleansing of the body and soul. Following this symbolic ritual which marks a new beginning, they will visit the temle where shrines of Hindu deities are encircled with flower garlands.

The multicultural Penang sees open houses everywhere around Penang where numerous traditional delicacies and snacks are served. This is certainly the festival that tantalises your sense of sight, smell, hearing and taste.

PENANG LITTLE INDIA

Little India

Within walking distance from Light Street in George Townis Little India - A cosy area around Market Street (Lebuh Pasar), Chulia Street (Lebuh Chulia) and Queen Street (Lebuh Queen).

During the early days of the settlement, Lebuh Chulia was alloted to the Indian immigrants as their enclave. However, over the years, the Chinese immigrant settler community grew in size, resulting in Little India being cocooned in the centre of the ever-growing Chinese community and bordering what is today referred to as Chinatown.

The India immigrant settlers took up a variety of roles in the settlement, as agricultural labourer, money lenders and spice traders.

The shops and stalls that line the street of Little India offer everything Indian - from gorgeous silk, cotton and brocade saree materials to stainless steel carriers, pottery, spices and sundries, jewellery, India sweets to flower garlands.

Experience Penang's India culture first-hand and take a walk down memory lane. There are barbers and astrologers, millers and grocers, money changers, and fruit sellers, South India restaurants and herb dealers.

For a taste of banana leaf rice, teh tarik (literally means pull tea) and other mouthwatering Indian food such as home-made, fresh off stove treats including thosai, puri, roti canai, a variety of biryanis, tandoori chicken and banquet of curries from vegetarian curries to local favourites like curry fish head, Little India offers a good choice of South Indian restaurants and mamak (Indian Muslims) stalls.

Roti Canai In Making.

One of the most impressive landmarks in Little India is the Mahamariamman Temple at Queen Street. It is the centre of Hindu religious worship. It was established in 1883, making it the oldest Indian temple in town. The temple is open to visitors.

PENANG BUDGET HOTELS

Heritaged-style 1926 Heritage Hotel

For those who are on tight budget, budget hotels is necessary for them. The price for the budget hotels offer at a "budget price". If you travel to Penang and looking for cheaper and affordable place to stay, you do not need to worry. There are so many budget hotels in Penang.

 

So Romantical Inside The Hotel

Some of these hotels are from restoration and refurnishing of old colonial bungalows like 1926 Heritage Hotel. I would suggest you to stay there as they provide basic amenities like clean linen and duvets, towels and simple breakfast and all have attached toilets in every room. Also, the televisions and wireless fidelity (wi-fi) are provided also.

Here is the room rates for 2011 for your reference:

Rates for Sunday to Thursday (Weekdays)

a) Standard Double/Twin @ MYR106.00nett per room/nite
b) Superior Double/Twin @ MYR120.00nett per room/nite
c) Heritage Twin @ MYR150.00nett per room/nite
d) Family Deluxe (5pax) @ MYR210.00nett per room/nite 
e) Family Deluxe (6pax) @ MYR240.00nett per room/nite 

Rates for Friday and Saturday (Weekends)

a) Standard Double/Twin @ MYR120.00nett per room/nite
b) Superior Double/Twin @ MYR140.00nett per room/nite
c) Heritage Twin @ MYR170.00nett per room/nite
d) Family Deluxe (5pax) @ MYR240.00nett per room/nite
e) Family Deluxe (6pax) @ MYR250.00nett per room/nite 

Govt tax included

Breakfast included

Extra mattress charged @ MYR26.00 per unit/nite,

Extra bed @ MYR42.00 per bed/nite

Surcharge of MYR40.00 per room/nite for selected Public holidays

Here are the address and the contact number:

227,Jalan Burma,

10050 Georgetown,

Penang.

Tel: 04-2281926

Fax: 04-2291926

LEE SINJE PENANG'S TOURIST AMBASSADOR

Penang's Chief Minister and Lee Sinje

In August, 2011, Penang's Chief Minister(CM), Dato' Seri Lim Guan Eng had appointed the Malaysian-born actress, Angelica Lee Sinje as Penang tourism ambassador.

Due to the fact that Asian tourists, especially those from China are contributing very significantly to the tourism industry in Malaysia. To boost this industry is by having the right movie star or singer to convince their fans and friends to come visit Penang.

It is very good decision from CM, and Angelica Lee Sinje is the perfect choice to fit this appointment. Lee has acted in various Hong Kong and Taiwanese films including the hit horror film, The Eye. She won many awards such as Best Actress at the Hong Kong Film Festivals and Best Newcomer at Berlin Film Festivals.

To Lee Sinje, good luck in your career.