Chetti Temple Religious Festival

The Chitty community of Malacca have been around for more than 600 years, living in a culturally abundant society that holds strongly to its tradition and religion. Originating from India, the community has assimilated with the local culture over the centuries and possess an indentity of their own. A walk into the village and one would be able to find the womenfolk in their colourful kebaya along with the compulsory dash of vermillon adorning their foreheads, in the kitchens making jokes in their fluent malay as they prepare the nyonya delicacies that have been a familiy secret for hundreds of years. The menfolk too after a hard day's work  can be seen in the evenings gathering at the various temples built by their ancestors to perform rituals that have been taught to them 600 years ago. One of the major festivals celebrated with grandeour at this ancient village is the Muthu Mariamman Thiruvizha or Perayaan Dato Chachar as known by the locals. A unique experience that combines both the aesthetics of the Malay culture and the very essence of Hindu bakthi (faith), this festival is not only a photographers heaven but also a treat for tourists, historians, adventurists, artists and practically everyone else. This 10 day festival picks up speed on the last 3 days and to indulge in something truly Malaysian, do check it out. : )
 
the details of the festival are as follows
 
Date:  13th to 15th May 2011 ( festival commences on 5th May)

Time:  13th and 14th - 7.30pm onwards
         15th - 8am onwards

Venue: Muthu Mariamman Temple (Dato Chachar)
           Kampung Chitty,  Jalan Gajah Berang
 
For any information and enquiries, feel at ease to contact me at 0126859223.
 
see you there! : )
 
Service to the arts,
 
Thiepaan Raaj & Sean Ray