PJ residents come together to celebrate three festivals

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TAKING advantage of the back-to-back festivals, many residents associations in Petaling Jaya organised get-togethers to foster community ties.

In Bandar Utama, the BU11 Hatiria committee hosted a Hari Raya–Tang Lung–Deepavali Fest at the BU11/1 park on Saturday.

With children’s games, performances, lucky draws and contests sponsored by companies like Starbucks and Blackmores, the get-together was an impressive one for a small neighbourhood.

More than 300 people attended the event, including special guests Bandar Utama City Corporation director Datuk Teo Chiang Kok and Bukit Lanjan assemblyman Elizabeth Wong.

Pulsating rhythm: The children from the Xin Hui Buddhist Society Orphanage entertaining the crowd at the Bandar Utama BU11 Hari Raya-Tang Lung- Deepavali celebration.

BU11 Hatiria area committee chairman M.K. Tan attributed the success of the event to the dedication of his fellow residents who had worked hard to organise and publicise the event.

“We sent out several rounds of flyers and started an email campaign to remind residents to attend the event. Our secretary Lilian Fang also went all out to get sponsors,” Tan said.

He said community events helped to foster closer relations among people in urban neighbourhoods like BU11.

“With security being a major issue now, it is important for neighbours to look out for each other,” he said.

Meanwhile, Taman Megah Mas also hosted a similar do for residents there, attended by Damansara Utama assemblyman Dr Cheah Wing Yin.

Lighted up: Children from Taman Megah Mas joining in the fun at the Hari Raya and Lantern Festival celebrations with their colourful lanterns.

About 100 people attended the event at the Jalan Emas 1 field, tucking into food like satay, fried rice, fried meehoon and local kuih-muih while catching up with fellow residents.

While the adults mingled, eager children went around the field with their colourful lighted lanterns.