Deepavali shines a light on Melaka Chetti community’s fight to preserve its identity

Deepavali celebrations in Melaka Chetti's heritage village brought together the dwindling community, highlighting their efforts to preserve their unique culture and identity. Despite only around 30 families remaining in the village, the festive celebrations showcased their commitment to traditions that date back to the Melaka Sultanate era.

The Melaka Chetti community's observance of Deepavali differs from other Hindu communities, with priests delivering prasadam and visiting homes to bless each family. However, outside understanding of this distinct culture and history remains limited, leading to misconceptions about the community's identity. Community member Wenila Nadarajan, 46, emphasized her role as a storyteller to educate the public about the Chetti people, who speak Malay but also practice Hinduism.

Chef Nadarajan, who runs a Chetti food business, prepared traditional dishes such as lontong, mutton curry, roti jala, and tosai to enrich the festive atmosphere. She expressed hope for increased awareness and promotion of the Chetti Melaka community, particularly through school history textbooks, to ensure younger generations appreciate their heritage.

However, beneath the celebration, there is concern over the future of the heritage village, which faces threats from rapid development. Community member Shanmugam Raja, 57, stressed the importance of preserving the village to maintain the community's culture. He noted that when community members do not live together or practice their customs, the traditions can fade away.

Community member R. Shanmugam also expressed concern about younger generations viewing themselves as guests rather than hosts when they return to the village, leading to a lack of involvement in cultural practices. He emphasized the importance of younger community members taking responsibility for their customs to prevent their disappearance over time.