For some families, getting ready for Deepavali means a long drive to Kampung Kacang Putih in Buntong, Ipoh, to stock up on traditional snacks before the festival on Sunday.
P Ravi, 56, has made the trip of more than 200km from Kuala Lumpur a pre-Deepavali ritual for the past six years, usually arriving about a week before the celebration to buy favourites such as murukku and tapioca chips. He spends between RM500 and RM1,000 at several shops, and much of what he buys is served to guests or shared with relatives, neighbours and colleagues.
“It has become a family tradition every time we celebrate Deepavali, as a way of strengthening ties with colleagues and neighbours,” he said.
K Gaayathri, 30, who lives in Kuala Lumpur, also buys her festive snacks in Buntong because of the variety on offer. “Deepavali just does not feel complete without such snacks being served to guests,” she said.
At DNS Kacang Putih, manager S Sathis Kumar said preparations begin about two weeks before Deepavali, with demand rising by around 60% compared with ordinary periods. Customers come from different communities and all parts of the country, and popular items include spicy mixed murukku, kuih loyang, round murukku, kuih batu, sweets and ladoo.
Buntong’s link with kacang putih goes back about 60 years, and many of the businesses in the area have been passed down through generations.