Deepavali 09

It was Deepavali, a well known celebration among our Indian friends. However, there is still a less known community, Chitty (some call them as Chetti, but according to locals, it sounds like money loaner...), they are also celebrating this festival joyously!

The Chitty are a distinctive group of Tamil people found mainly in Malacca, who are also known as the Indian Peranakans. Historical records stated that the Tamil traders from Panai in Tamil Nadu settled down in Malacca during the sovereignty of the Sultanate of Malacca. Like the Peranakans, they later freely intermingled with the local Malays and Chinese settlers. So this is their house, with Indian's colorful paintings with Chinese lantern.

Praying for both Hindu God / Goddess as well as Guan Yin! Unique!

Like the Peranakans, the Chitty speak a Malay patois, which is mixed with many Tamil loan words. Many of the Chitty are unable to communicate in Tamil fluently. The Chitty population is around 2000 and the traditional Chitty settlement is located at Kampung Tujuh along Jalan Gajah Barang, Melaka.

So, here we went. We have visited 3 chitty's open house. Their hospitality really amazed us.

I was allowed to try making Roti Jala and Thosai...nice experience!
Mr. Rajan, the chinese+chitty generation, generously provided us tonnes of information about chitty cultures (recipes, wedding ceremony, costumes...)

Happy Deepavali!