Cuti Malaysia Night Travel Fair 2011

With the school holidays coming up, time to look for a vacation, so how about the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia Night Travel Fair at i-City Shah Alam?

Tourism Malaysia has many interesting travel destinations, from the pristine Malaysian beaches, lush rainforests (good for eco-tourism, yes?), refreshing hill resorts (such as Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill), relaxing parks and gardens (I like that Japanese Garden at Bukit Tinggi Resort) to bustling metropolis (well actually, I would like to get away from all the mad traffic jam, but for those who has not seen the big city would like to see the frenetic hustle and bustle city life!) and heritage sites (good if you are an avid old building aficionado, there are indeed many Unesco building sites perhaps follow the Ipoh Heritage Walk?), inspiring art and gastronomic delights (aye, aye as we all know Malaysians just love to eat!).

Here's your chance to discover the magic of Malaysia tourism and travel, marvel at her wonders and cherish some wonderful memories as you go exploring good old Malaysia, ya? Go grab the best deals for your favourite travel destinations at this fun filled event in i-City Shah Alam packed with exciting activities, travel bargains, contests and giveaways!

Event: Cuti-Cuti Malaysia Night Travel Fair
Date: 28th to 30th October 2011
Venue: i-City Shah Alam, Selangor
Time: 5pm to 12am
Infoline: 1300-88-5050
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

See you there!

Related other travel fairs:
MITM Travel Fair 2011 Tourism Malaysia
MATTA Fair 2011 Packages for Malaysia and Overseas travel

[update on the travel fair]

Tourism Malaysia Targets Sales Of RM500,000 At Night Travel Fair
October 29, 2011 00:02 AM

SHAH ALAM, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia aims to sell about RM500,000 worth of travel packages at the Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia Night Travel Fair 2011 which starts today until Sunday.

The national tourism promotion agency also expects over 60,000 visitors at the night fair located in i-City, here.

In a statement, Tourism Malaysia said the event involves 66 travel agencies including operators of tourism products, homestays and local hotels which will offer over 2,500 domestic tour packages.

Aside from sales and exhibitions, other activities will take place throughout the programme including tourism quiz, lucky draw and a mini concert featuring artistes Lefthanded, XPDC and others under pay-television service provider Astro.

The Cuti-cuti 1Malaysia Night Travel Fair will also highlight programmes organised by the Tourism Ministry such as the 1Malaysia Bersih & Indah campaign, 1Malaysia Contemporary Arts Tourism Festival and Fabulous Food 1Malaysia.

The three-day event, which begins from 5pm to midnight, was officiated by Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit on behalf of Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, here Friday night.

-- BERNAMA

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Kolam Artform and Deepavali

Whenever Deepavali comes around the corner, you can see many PJ and KL shopping malls and offices with decoration of Kolam on the floor. If you wondered what it all meant, the article below would give you some insights about the tradition of Kolam and what it symbolizes.

Kolam an artform to symbolise happiness
By Vijenthi Nair
Photos By Low Lay Phon
24/October/2011

KOLAM is much more than just an aesthetic art and symbolises happiness and prosperity, according to Indian beliefs.

The dotted kolam that is made from rice flour is drawn at the entrance of the house to feed insects and birds.

It represents man’s concern for all living creatures.

The kolam and the bright red border enclosing it, is also believed to prevent evil spirits from entering the house.

White beauty: Maruthamuthu with
his white flour work of art.

Kolam artist Mohan Maruthamuthu said Ranggoli (coloured) kolam was the evolved version of the dotted kolam.

However, in recent times the Ranggoli kolam have seen an evolution with many shopping malls and corporations drawing the artform in their premises.

Over the years, people added colours to the dotted kolam to make it more attractive.

“All of my work so far are for Ranggoli Kolam.

“The bright colours fused with creative designs is more appealing to many and also involves a lot more work compared with the original one. Usually dyed crushed rice are used to create beautiful Indian designs and symbols.

Colourful: The Ranggoli Kolam
at the entrance of K&N Kenanga
Holdings building.

“However, the beauty of the white flour is in a class of its own. Kolam should be drawn at the entrance so it would not be missed by visitors. In India, kolam is drawn every day by the women in the morning to invite ants to feed on it, thus receiving its blessings in return.

Mohan said kolam design was up to one’s creativity although there were now many kolam guide books to help beginners, especially with the dotted kolam.

“The parallel dots need to be calculated and arranged in order to get the straight and curves right. For dotted kolam, all the dots are drawn first, followed by the curved lines around the dots connecting each other. The thumb and forefingers are used to control the flow of flour.

“It is easy once you get the feel and flow of it. There is no end to the design as you can add on as you like or just run a finger through the lines to get an added effect,” he said.

Mohan feels that tradition can evolve but must not deviate from its main purpose.

“The tradition should be kept alive. The youths expressing their support for the football teams through kolam adds no value or meaning to it. It is best to keep it traditional and create innovative designs to further enhance the age-old art,” he added. -- Star Metro

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