MALACCA: The stage is set at the Proclamation of Independence Memorial in Bandar Hilir here for the national-level Deepavali Open House 2014, which is expected to host up to 25,000 guests today.
State MIC chief Datuk M.S. Mahadevan said the celebration, held for the first time in Malacca, would see an array of activities lined up, including cultural performances.
Hosted by the Tourism and Culture Ministry, the event will be launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. Other guests expected include Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.
About 500 buses will be provided to ferry people from 14 state constituencies for the event.
Melaka Tengah district police chief Assistant Commissioner Shaikh Abdul Adzis Shaikh Abdullah said road closure and traffic diversion would begin from 8pm to 8.45pm today.