{
  "id": 18585416,
  "title": "Muruku, ‘budu’ and a house full of friends: Deepavali the Kelantan way",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/muruku-budu-and-a-house-full-of-friends-deepavali-the-kelantan-way",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-06T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2026/11/07/muruku-budu-and-a-house-full-of-friends-deepavali-the-kelantan-way/242204"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kota Bharu, Nov 7 — G. Thanaletchumi, affectionately known as 'Mek Kelate Mek Manis,' passionately shares her unique Kelantan Indian community experience. Speaking in a thick Kelantan dialect, she is part of a cultural identity that holds strong despite local customs. Her family's Tamil language usage, alongside the Kelantan dialect, showcases their heritage. Their culinary preferences, like ulam budu and muruku, reveal their Indian roots. For Deepavali, planning starts two months ahead, culminating in making traditional delicacies. Thanaletchumi cherishes the influx of guests, especially Malay neighbours lending a hand. Her son, M. Sai Siddhart, 19, shares his joy in mingling with Malay friends, hoping for unity across all national festivals.",
  "summary": "KOTA BHARU, Nov 7 — Speaking fluently in a thick Kelantan dialect, enjoying ulam budu and serving traditional Indi...",
  "key_points": [
    "G. Thanaletchumi, called Mek Kelate Mek Manis, shares Kelantan Indian culture",
    "Family uses Tamil and Kelantan dialect, reflects heritage",
    "Deepavali preparations two months prior, includes muruku, ulam budu"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}