Odd-shaped Deepavali delicacy and fun activities bring cheer to children from orphanage

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DRESSED to the nines, youngsters from the Shan Children’s Orphanage Home were a charming sight as they took part in various activities during the Holiday Inn Resort Penang’s ‘Mumbai Dance Night.’

Held in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali, the community event saw some 25 children feted to a fun-filled dinner outing which started off with exciting games and culminated with a sumptuous buffet dinner at the Alfresco outlet.

Though the inclement weather put paid to the scheduled list of activities by the swimming pool, spirits were not dampened as they thoroughly enjoyed their pampering day out.

Their creative skills were also put to test during the murukku making class, where the children got to try their hands at making the popular festive delicacy.

While some managed to replicate the snack’s traditional spiral patterns, others ended up with odd looking shapes.

Easy does it: Kids from the Shan Children's Orphanage Home making murukku. With them is Jacobs (back middle)

This resulted in much laughter going around, but there was no harm done as the item was duly fried up and served to all present, piping hot.

“Murukku is a must-have titbit for Deepavali, and we thought it would be great to let the children have a feel of preparing the delicacy. It is part of our festivities too,” said general manager Stella Jacobs.

The guests later sat down to the buffet dinner, where items like tomato rice, murtabak, dhall curry and ayam masak merah were served.

Eyes were then shifted to the front stage, as the children, split into two teams, pitted their dance skills against teams comprising the resort’s staff in the Indian Dance contest.

The children touching up the giant kolam at the lobby of Holiday Inn Resort Penang

The group performing Dance of Lights was adjudged champion, while the other, performing the Mughanda Krishna, grabbed the runners-up title.

Both took home prizes that included buffet dinner vouchers.

The resort’s food and beverage team, who performed the Thandiya Dance, finished third.

The engineering and front office / housekeeping teams who performed the Bhangra Dance and Shake It Gurlz respectively received consolation prizes.

Before heading back to their home, the children were whisked to the resort’s lobby where they helped put the final touches to a giant kolam, and posed for photographs.

“We continue to show we care by organising community support events, and bringing special memories to the lives of those who need it the most,” Jacobs said.

The Shan Home was established in 2008 and currently houses 14 girls and 11 boys.

Run by only three dedicated staff, it is dependent entirely on public support and contributions.