JOHOR BARU: The upcoming Deepavali bazaar along Jalan Ungku Puan here with its some 300 traders is expected to attract a big number of visitors this year, compared to previous years.
Chairman of Johor Baru Little India Datuk Nilla Raja is hoping to see some 100,000 visitors from across the causeway converging at the bazaar when it opens its doors on Oct 12.
He told the New Straits Times that Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi will launch the bazaar on the said date.
Nilla hopes the launch of the bazaar would also lead to Jalan Ungku Puan being gazetted as the 'Little India of Johor Baru'.
"This year we expect to see an increase in visitors compared to previous years due to the pandemic," he said.
Now into its 10th year, the bazaar, according to Nilla Raja, will look more resplendent than ever with lights and decorations in the month leading up to Deepavali.
Despite the pandemic last year, we still had some 70,000 visitors and also the atmosphere was very dissimilar.
He said stalls at the bazaar will sell various types of authentic Indian spices, Indian wear, accessories, decorations, jewellery and ornaments and other Deepavali essentials.
Nilla Raja said at night's daily there will be cultural performances and other entertainment with shows going on until midnight.
"We have engaged local singers and artistes to perform during these nineteen days to enthrall the audience," he said.
He noted that last year the traders could not sell much of their products, but this year there seems to be a variety of items on display.
Nilla Raja said 70 per cent of people who patronise the stalls are those working across the causeway and members of other local communities.
"I am delighted to see even Malays, Chinese and other races come and purchase homemade delicacies which sell off fast.
He called on traders to keep the prices of food and products low so that people from the low income group will purchase them.
On safety, Nilla Raja said his priority is to ensure the people are safe so as no untoward incidences occur during the festive period.
"At all times we have Rela personnel on guard and at night we have our security people on duty," he said.
He urged people of Johor to come and patronise the stalls and view the cultural performances, which include dances and songs.
