Page 87 - The Guide To Sarawak
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THE GUIDE TO SARAWAK
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Ponggal, Vasaki, Thaipusam, Adipuram, Navarati, Chitra Pournami and Krishna Jayanti. However the most important is Deepavali, which is usually celebrated by holding open houses for all communities. There are three major Hindu temples in Kuching – two in the city and one on the slopes of Mount Matang – as well
as a Krishna Centre, a Sri Sathya Sai Baba Centre and an Indian Muslim Mosque. Miri has a Hindu Community Centre.
THE INDIANS OF TODAY
Sarawakians of Indian origin are found in all fields of endeavour - government, business and the professions. There are many doctors,
An Indian Muslim spice merchant presides over his aromatic wares at his shop in Gambier Street, Kuching.
lawyers, engineers as
well as teachers and civil servants. A growing number are politicians. Several associations serve the Indian community - the Indian Association Kuching
(the oldest), the Sarawak Indian Women’s Association, the Sarawak Silambam Association, the Vadhini Arts School, the Sarawak Hindu Education Foundation and the Sarawak Kabbadi Association.
An Indian wedding in Kuching. Note the ornate 19th Century Sri Lankan Tamil costumes worn by both bride and groom.
Kapitan Lucy Lingam, the first ever headwoman of Kuching’s Indian community, has spearheaded the entry of Sarawak’s Indians into mainstream politics.
