This year, Deepavali was extra special for Mdm Vijayalakshmi Raja, 48, as she had an extra pair of hands to help her prepare murukku – a popular, crunchy, fried Indian snack – particularly enjoyed during the Indian festive period.
Those extra hands belonged to her close Chinese friend, Jessie Heah, 64.
A few weeks before Deepavali, retiree Jessie, who lives just a few blocks away from Mdm Vijayalakshmi, visited her friend’s four-room flat in Hougang to lend a hand in kneading the murukku dough and frying the snacks.
With careful precision, Mdm Jessie filled the pre-greased murukku mould with dough. Slowly, she pressed it to release thin spirals of dough, shaping them in smooth circular motions.
Once the oil in the pan was hot enough, she gently placed the murukku on a spatula and, with Mdm Vijayalakshmi’s help, slid it into the oil.
As the murukku turned a perfect golden brown, Mdm Jessie’s face lit up with glee as she had just made her very first murukku.
While it may seem like a simple gesture, this moment symbolised a friendship that transcends language and culture for both women.
“In this era where many Indians themselves no longer make murukku at home and prefer to buy it, Jessie’s curiosity to learn and help me shows her genuine love for my culture,” said Mdm Vijayalakshmi, who works as a Tamil teacher.
Mdm Jessie highlighted that she finds Indian culture colourful and vibrant, and loves everything about it, from the traditions to the food. She also truly enjoys the spice in Indian dishes.
Her affection for Indian culture deepened after meeting Mdm Vijayalakshmi at a yoga interest group at Ci Yuan Community Club in 2022. Their friendship blossomed almost instantly.
“We clicked immediately,” quipped Mdm Jessie. “We can talk about our cultures and yoga poses for hours without getting bored.”
A volunteer with the Palm View Residents’ Network, Mdm Jessie invited Mdm Vijayalakshmi to a Deepavali celebration last year. That event created an even stronger bond between them when she asked Mdm Vijayalakshmi for help tying a saree.
“When Jessie asked me to help her wear a saree, I was surprised,” recalled Mdm Vijayalakshmi. “I sometimes dread wearing one myself as it can be heavy and tricky to walk in. But Jessie’s determination to wear it for the celebration moved me deeply.”
Said Mdm Jessie: “I have always wanted to wear a saree, and the Deepavali celebration was the perfect opportunity. Sarees are so elegant and every woman looks beautiful in them,”
Beyond their weekly yoga classes, the two friends often meet for evening strolls and exchange cooking recipes. Mdm Vijayalakshmi has taught Mdm Jessie how to make briyani, while Mdm Jessie has shared her sesame oil chicken recipe in return.
To Mdm Jessie, Deepavali is not just a festival for Indians; it is a day for all Singaporeans to come together and celebrate the nation’s multicultural spirit.
“Our friendship reminds me of the kampong spirit that once existed in old Singapore when people from all walks of life came together to share joy and build strong bonds,” noted Mdm Jessie.
