Striking colours of Deepavali

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IT’S that time of the year again when flickering oil lamps, intricate kolam displays and dazzling lights greet shoppers across the nation in the spirit of Deepavali.

With just four days to the Festival of Lights, many supermarkets and shopping malls in Penang are caught up with the festive mood as they spare no effort in putting up elaborate decorations to attract customers.

At Sunshine Square in Bayan Baru, a colourful stage has been set up at the atrium with a gold coloured oil lamp taking centre stage.

There are also gorgeous peacocks on polystyrene boards placed all around the shopping complex to spread the festive cheer.

Its advertising and promotions manager Cynthia Loo said peacocks were auspicious symbols for the Indian community.

Auspicious symbol: (from left) S. Maria, 20, A. Shamala, 25 and A. Loges, 20 adjusting the lightings on a peacock decoration at Sunshine Square in Bayan Baru.

“They are also very colourful and lively which bring out the Deepavali spirit,” she noted.

Over at Gama Supermarket & Deparmental Store in George Town, a gaily-illuminated giant oil lamp sits atop a structure at the main entrance, beckoning shoppers to the store.

“When lit up at night, the twinkling oil lamp is a sight to behold, attracting attention all round,” said its advertising and promotions manager Evelyn Wong.

Gurney Plaza is all set to usher in the occasion, with a kolam decorating contest tomorrow and the winner’s design will be displayed at the shopping mall entrance until Deepavali.

Its marketing communications manager Peter Chan said the contest was a unique way to promote Indian culture as well as to get into the spirit of Deepavali.

“It’s a fun activity for all to enjoy as you get to unleash your creativity and imagination in coming up with the kolam designs,” he added.

Cute creatures: Visitors checking out the painted elephant decoratiobns at Sunway Carnival Mall in Seberang Jaya.

Queensbay Mall has also gotten into the festive spirit with its warm greetings to shoppers.

Its marketing communications executive Sonia Tejumal Belani said the centre atrium was decked with festive banners and oil lamps decorated with peacock feathers to mark the celebrations.

A huge kolam in the shape of an oil lamp at Straits Quay in Tanjong Tokong has caught the attention of many shoppers, who took the opportunity to snap pictures with it.

“The majestic kolam has been very popular with visitors since it was put up,” said its retail manager Sharley Ooi.

Another eye-catching kolam decoration with twinkling lights greets shoppers as they walk into the 1st Avenue shopping mall.

Its advertising and promotions executive Cheong Sook Yeng said the kolam had attracted many people, especially young children.

Penang Times Square has put up the winning entries from a kolam design competition at the mall entrance as part of its festive decorations.

Over at Seberang Jaya, four cute polystyrene elephants named ‘Wishes’, ‘Joy’, ‘Health’ and ‘Wealth’ have become the stars at Sunway Carnival Mall.

Its public relations and marketing executive Khoo Yi Ping said the elephants were handpainted by artists with Indian designs to match the Deepavali theme.