Merdeka Carnival 2010

The 53rd Merdeka Carnival – the annual festival celebrating all things Malaysian – was held on Saturday 25th September at the Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre in Hertfordshire, UK. The event was attended by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah, the King & Queen of Malaysia. Over 5,000 visitors enjoyed a selection of Malaysian cuisine, cultural performances, comedy by popular comedian Afdlin Shauki and live music.
 
With over 2 million Tamils in Malaysia (known as Malaysian Indians), the Thamarai team were happy to see the strong Tamil influence and representation at the event. Sasi the Don, a popular Malaysian Tamil singer who recently signed to Virgin Music India, performed a selection of his hits in English & Tamil to a warm reception. The most popular food stalls at the event (where the wait was over 30 minutes) sold Tamil influenced cuisine, including Malaysian Apam & Roti Canai.
 
The event was a fitting end to Malaysia’s weekend long ‘independence’ celebrations in the UK. The Thamarai team look forward to next year’s event.