Malacca - THE banks of Malacca River in Padang Nyiru opposite St Francis Xavier Church came alive when more than 20 brightly-lit handmade lanterns were strung up during a contest here recently.
The lanterns in designs such as dragons, fishes, insects and flowers were creatively and painstakingly made by participants using simple and recycled materials.
Masrom Atan from Johor Baru took a week to complete his lantern made of baskets, coloured ribbons and paper flowers.
“My lantern was completed in red, blue, white and yellow. I chose the colours as they are found in the Malacca flag. That’s why I named it Cahaya Melaka Bersejarah,” said the 46-year-old council worker.
Lim Chiow Kerk, 58, from Malim Jaya, did not spend a single sen on his lantern.
“I used aluminium cans, biscuit containers, batik cut-outs from old clothes and plastic flowers,” he said, adding that lanterns could look beautiful even when made with non-expensive material.
Held in conjunction with the recent Malacca River Festival, the competition provided an excellent backdrop for another event, the Rangoli Kolam contest.
Vibrant kolams were created by participants at an exhibition area nearby.
The myriad colours of the kolams on the ground complemented the lights emanating from the lanterns.
Attention was focused on A.K. Ganesan’s rice kolam of Malacca’s famous 17th Century Dutch Christ church.
“I have four different shades for red alone. The shades allow me to present a more attractive design as the picture becomes lively and vivid,” said the 32-year-old from Duyong.
A the end of the competition, Heng Kai Moi, 29, bagged the first prize with her Seahorse and Fish lantern while Ganesan won the second prize in Rangoli Kolam category.
Tourist Friday Momin, 28, from Sandakan, said he was attracted by the colour of the lanterns and kolams.
Friday, who was on his first trip to the historic city, said the competition helped promote the country’s unique culture while encouraging creativity.
“The lanterns and kolams are unique,” he said, adding that he enjoyed Malacca, especially when it came local delicacies. By ALLISON LAI
Source: http://thestar.com.my (June 26, 2008)