Holidays and Little India

There are Malaysian flags EVERYWHERE in celebration of Merdeka (Malaysian Independence Day).

Street around the corner from my apartment, I live in the "Little India" part of the city.

They redeveloped this area last year, making the streets one-way and adding decoration to the area with these arches and street designs.

Large fountain near my apartment, it has about 20 elephant figures.  Worshiped by Hindu sects, Lord Ganesh is the "remover of obstacles" and it identified by his elephant head. 

Tuesday through Friday of next week are recognized as public holidays in Malaysia.  Two holidays happen to fall back to back this year, Hari Raya, which marks the end of the month of Ramadan, and Merdeka, which is Malaysia's equivalent to 4th of July, celebrating 54 years of independence this year.  During Hari Raya, most Muslim people journey to visit their extended families outside the city so Kuala Lumpur will become very quiet.  It is said that you will be able to dance in the streets because there will be no traffic.  I will be taking advantage of the extended holiday by taking a trip to the Perhentian Islands off the northeast coast of Malaysia up near Thailand to relax with the turtles in tropical paradise before my university classes start the following week.

Since these holidays are happening at the same time, I've heard that the celebrations for Medeka will be scaled down some and the main events (parades, etc.) will take place on September 16th, which is known as Malaysia Day.  This day commemorates the establishment of the Malaysian federation in 1963.

The bottom 3 photos are from my neighborhood.  I live in an area known as the Brickfields, which is the "new" little India area of Kuala Lumpur.  This area was redeveloped in 2010 and was dedicated in a ceremony by the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and India.  It is a convenient area to reside because it is within walking distance of KL Central which is the main public transit hub for the city.  I can easily hop the light rail to the university from here or head to most other parts of the city.