North Friday July 20, 2007
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A showcase of Malay wedding paraphernalia
NORMALLY reserved for Malay weddings, the bunga telur, sirih junjung and gendang silat will be featured at the Little Penang Street Market's first anniversary celebrations in Upper Penang Road on July 29.
The market's director Ambiga Devy said visitors would have the chance to watch a gendang silat demonstration and see how bunga telur and folded sirih decorations were made from 11am to 2pm.
She said the event, themed Di Ambang Merdeka 2007, was organised with Teluk Bahang assemblyman Siti Faridah Arshad and the South-West district Rumah Nur.
Siti Faridah said there would be competitions for folding sirih (betel leaf) into decorative arrangements and for making bunga telur (decorated eggs, normally with artificial flowers).
“Small prizes will be given to the top three winners. The competitions are for fun, and we hope the contestants come forward to show off their skills and add to the lively atmosphere.
Traditional custom:Siti Faridah(right)and Ambiga Devy showing an article featured in a book on Malay wedding during the press conference to announce the event.“For the bunga telur competition, the minimum number of eggs is 15 and bonus points will be given to those who use recycled items,” she said, adding that contestants had to bring their own items for both competitions.
She also said the competition for folding sirih would not be limited to the sirih junjung style, so as not to restrict the contestants' creativity.
Those interested in taking part can call Rumah Nur at 04-866 3489 during office hours.
Registration can also be done at the venue before 10.30am that day.
Siti Faridah said visitors could also try their hand at folding sirih and towels as well as making bunga telur.
“There will also be a stall selling decorations made from seashells, and visitors can also make and buy their own decorations,” she said.
She also said there would be stalls from Balik Pulau selling local kuih, nutmeg juice, chicken rice, seasonal fruits that were still in season by that time, and clothes such as baju kurung.
The Little Penang Street Market, which started in July last year, is held every last Sunday of the month.
Ambiga Devy said for this month, there would be a record 84 stalls at the market from 10am to 5pm, featuring some of the best from the past year's arts, crafts and demonstrations such as Chinese woodcuts and Indian garland making.
“We are also starting a book-reading session with Malay- sian authors,” she said, adding that this month's session would feature author Beth Yahp at 3.30pm.
