IPOH: Poverty has not deterred a group of hardcore poor Indians in Kampung Tai Lee, one of the earliest Indian settlements here, from celebrating Deepavali.
Although they cannot afford new clothes, and household items, they are making sure that their houses are clean for the auspicious occasion.
The village, located in the Buntong area, is home to some 55 Indians who live in dilapidated wooden houses erected by their forefathers in 1914.
The villagers gave the Streets team warm welcome.
A former maid, S. Indrani, 67, who lives with her brother S. Maniam, 61, and her daughter A. Vijaya Letchimi, 44, said that it would be a “very low key” celebration for the family.
“I can only prepare a simple dinner and muruku, which is the family’s favourite. I cannot afford to buy new clothings for my family and myself.
“We depend on funds from the Social Welfare Department, and we have to keep part of the money to pay utility bills and other expenses,” said Indrani.
Another resident, J. Sekaramavasai, 52, who is bedridden and is being taken care of by an uncle, said the villagers were poor but they would still have food for visitors on Deepavali.
Sekaramavasai, who lives in a one-bedroom house, depends on his uncle K. Sivajothi, 65, a car park attendant for his daily expenses. On Deepavali, he performs special prayers and rituals, and welcomes friends to his house.
However, for S. Shamugam, 75, Deepavali is a normal day for him and his daughter, S. Prameladevi, 36, as they have no money to celebrate the festival.
Shamugam, a retired dobi cleaner, is being taken care of by his daughter who stopped working as a factory worker to look after him.
He said they depend on financial aid from relatives.
Housewife S. Krishna, 45, is luckier as she has two sisters who give financial assistance and new clothes to her and her three teenaged children. “We are poor, so we celebrate Deepavali within our means,” she said, adding that she will be preparing a special dish on that day.