SHAH ALAM, Oct 20 — Deepavali, celebrated as the Festival of Lights in Indian culture, is not only a symbol of beauty and blessing but also a time that strengthens the bonds of family and togetherness.
One of the most cherished traditions during this festive season is the preparation of various traditional delicacies, especially the sweet treat laddu. More than just a festive favourite, laddu symbolises sweetness, prosperity, and harmony within the Indian community.
For Rukumani Nadeson, 75, the tradition of making laddu has been part of her family heritage since her grandmother’s time. Each Deepavali, her home in Kapar, Klang, is filled with the distinctive aroma that wafts from the laddu-making process.
She said that every batch is prepared with love and care; using a blend of flour, nuts, and ghee mixed until perfectly combined, then shaped into small golden balls.
The making of laddu requires patience and precision, as each step must be handled carefully to ensure a soft texture inside and a crisp layer outside. The fragrant scent of ghee as it is fried adds a special touch to this traditional delicacy, evoking warmth and joy throughout the home.
Through the lens of photographer Khairul Helmy, the celebration of this Festival of Lights is captured in all its splendour — a reflection of unity, joy, and affection that shines brightly within Malaysia’s multicultural society.
Flour, nuts, and ghee are the main ingredients in the making of laddu — a traditional Deepavali sweet that symbolises prosperity, in Kapar, Klang.
Rukumani Nadeson, 75, diligently prepares traditional laddu, one of the must-have treats during the Deepavali celebration.
Rukumani Nadeson, 75, grinds rice as the first step in preparing traditional laddu, a staple sweet during Deepavali festivities.
Ground rice forms the base in the preparation of traditional laddu, an essential delicacy during Deepavali.
Rukumani Nadeson, 75, cooks palm sugar syrup until thickened as part of the process of making traditional laddu, a festive favourite during Deepavali.
Rukumani Nadeson, 75, mixes all the ingredients while preparing traditional laddu — a staple sweet treat of Deepavali.
Rukumani Nadeson, 75, mixes all the ingredients while preparing traditional laddu — a staple sweet treat of Deepavali.
Palm sugar is blended with nuts as the main ingredients in making traditional laddu, one of the must-have sweets during Deepavali celebrations.
Rukumani Nadeson, 75, rolls the mixture into round balls to form traditional laddu, a beloved treat for the Deepavali celebration.
Rukumani Nadeson, 75, rolls the mixture into round balls to form traditional laddu, a beloved treat for the Deepavali celebration.
Rice flour is sprinkled into the mixture as part of the preparation of traditional laddu, a sweet delicacy that graces every Deepavali home.
Traditional laddu — made from gram flour and palm sugar — remains a timeless and essential treat during Deepavali festivities.
