IN THE spirit of Deepavali, students from four schools were treated to an evening of fun by developer Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd (MCHB) at d’Tempat Country Club in Bandar Sri Sendayan near Seremban, Negri Sembilan.

The special guests comprised 100 primary school pupils from B40 families.

The children attend school at SJK (T) Bandar Sri Sendayan, SJK (T) Convent Seremban and SJK (C) Bandar Sri Sendayan.

To make the celebrations even merrier, the children were joined by 40 Adcote Matrix Malaysia international students, many of whom had never experienced Deepavali festivities.

The first programme was an arts and crafts workshop where the students had a chance to show off their artistic talents.

Guided by MCHB volunteers, the students painted and decorated mini claypots and “vilakku” (clay lamps) that they could take home afterwards.

The children then enjoyed a showcase of traditional Indian dances by a professional troupe.

It included a beautiful rendition of a peacock dance, with its star performer − “peacock” −unveiling his colourful tail feathers to rousing applause.

The showcase, titled “Festival of Lights: Illuminating Hearts with the Spirit of Giving”, was part of the developer’s corporate social responsibility efforts for Deepavali.

Reflecting on the importance of giving back, MCHB chief marketing officer Lim Kok Yee said the programme aimed to bring joy, hope and support to children and families from the local B40 community.