ID :
386785
Mon, 11/09/2015 - 12:43
Auther :

Wishing For Everlasting Peace This Deepavali

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- It may not quite match the splendour of the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome but the crystal fountain that adorns the entrance to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is dazzling in its own way. And, what better way for the upscale shopping mall to usher in Deepavali than by incorporating the fountain into its celebrations. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and its sister mall Fahrenheit 88's 2015 Deepavali celebrations are fittingly themed "Lights and Hopes" and their line-up of festivities, running from Oct 28 to Nov 10, include classical dance performances, Indian cuisine promotions and shopping privileges. FOSTERING UNITY "We want shoppers and tourists to toss a coin into the fountain and wish for everlasting peace in Malaysia," declared Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Chief Executive Officer of Retail Joyce Yap, adding that festivals played a vital role in fostering unity and understanding among the various communities in this country. "I always tell people that Malaysia is like heaven. Of course, issues do crop up now and then but since they are man-made, they can be resolved and Malaysians can live together happily," she said. Speaking at the launch of the celebrations recently, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Director of Marketing Kung Suan Ai said since Deepavali was a festival that "celebrates the glory of light which brings hope and new beginnings, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur aims to illuminate the hearts and lives of everyone through the simple act of casting coins and hopes into our iconic fountain". "Through this experience, we look to bring a ray of light into the life of every individual, and foster a sense of togetherness and hope." FOUNTAIN OF UNITY The Pavilion Crystal Fountain - which stands 3.6 metres in height and six metres wide and has been acknowledged by the Malaysia Book of Records as the tallest Liuli Crystal Fountain in the country - consists of three crystal bowls, a symbolic representation of the three main ethnic groups in Malaysia. All three bowls feature the national flower, hibiscus. "The bowls also symbolise rice, which is the staple food of Asians while the water flowing through them symbolise unity, synergy and togetherness," explained Yap. Apparently, some people who had tossed coins into this particular fountain have seen their wishes materialising. "We have heard stories of people winning the jackpot and marrying the man/woman of their dreams after they tossed coins into our fountain," claimed Yap. She added that the mall usually made it a point to present a gift as a token of appreciation to those who "come back and tell us their (success) stories". COINS DONATED TO CHARITY Yap also said that the coins were cleared from the fountain on a monthly basis and utilised for charitable causes as part of the mall's corporate social responsibility programme. "We don't only collect Malaysian coins but also coins from different parts of the world," she added. Aliyah al Bhasir, 32, a tourist from Kuwait who was among the people who turned up for the launch of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur's Deepavali festivities, said she had cast a coin into the fountain and hoped all her dreams would come true. "I've also prayed for Malaysia to remain prosperous... I had heard about this fountain from my friends and relatives and I've always wanted to try my luck here. I'm happy I made it here during the festive season," she said. Rakesh Subramaniam, 27, from Malaysia's state of Melaka felt that it was a good idea to toss coins into the fountain during the festive season as many believed that the celebratory period was very auspicious in nature. "It's my hope that the festival of lights will help brighten Malaysia's future as our country has been facing various challenges," he said. (photoBERNAMA) -- BERNAMA

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