Malls in Malaysia have always put up decorations based on our various festive holidays.
So, now that Halloween is over, what’s the next festive holiday that comes to mind for mall decorations? If you said Christmas, you’re part of the problem.
Netizen, Ashley Pang, took to the Malaysia Education Info (And Homeschooling too) Facebook group to share how disappointed she was upon visiting a mall near her, only to see that there were no Deepavali decorations and have instead put up Christmas items.
She wrote, “Went for grocery shopping at a local mall nearby my house. Saw Christmas items on sale. But nothing for Deepavali, not even any decorations. Something is not right! Our society is too commercialised! Christmas items on sale in November but nothing for Deepavali!”
“I saw decorations and events planned for Halloween in October but nothing for Deepavali.”
Some netizens have pointed out that malls sometimes may directly skip to Christmas as the Indian community would prefer to do their Deepavali shopping at their neighbourhood stores where they can purchase traditional clothes.
Speaking to WORLD OF BUZZ, Ashley disagrees with this as she believes that the Indian community would still visit malls to do grocery shopping and so forth.
“I think we need to highlight this. Indians might not buy modern attire of factory-made cookies but Indian clients definitely will still visit supermarkets, restaurants and shops in most malls,” she said.
At the end of the day, we believe that it shouldn’t come down to whether or not our Indian community members will actually visit these malls but it should be about inclusivity and celebration of all Malaysian festivities, equally.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: Malay Aeon Mall Staff Praised for Participating in Creation of Kolam as Deepavali Decoration