The Chitty also known as the Chetty or Chetti Melaka are a distinctive group of Tamil individuals discovered for the most part in Melaka in Malaysia and Singapore, who are also known as the "Indian Peranakans" and have embraced Chinese and Malay social practices while additionally holding their Hindu heritage. In the 21st century, their population remains at 2,000. The Chitty/Chetti people group is from South India and are faithful Hindus.
The Chitty are a devoted community of Saivite Hindus, worshipping in their three temples. For example, Ganesha and Shiva are worshipped in full gaiety. As staunch believers of the Hindu faith, the Melakan Chitty community still upholds their religious ceremonies. They watch Deepavali, Ponggal, the Hindu New Year, Navratri and other conventional Hindu celebrations that are commended by Hindu gatherings in Malaysia.
Parchu Celebration
However, the Chitty doesn't take part in Thaipusam in a grand level like most Hindu gatherings. During the period of May, they have a similar celebration to Thaipusam in their nearby sanctuary called Mengamay. One festival that is one of a kind to the Chitty people group is the Parchu celebration. It is commended two times per year with Parchu Ponggal (Bhogi) watched the day preceding Ponggal in January and Parchu Buah-buahan during the natural product season among June and July.
Most of the celebrations are celebrated the same as the Hindus but Melaka Chetties celebrate it in a unique way. There are differences in terms of their clothing and foods which are similar to Malay. On the Deepavali morning, a Chetty man would wear a traditional headgear known as “talapa” and “kain pelikat” (sarong), while an Indian man would wear a traditional garment called “dhoti” and the woman in Chetty community would be wearing the “kebaya” attire. When it comes to food, they serve the main dish “thosai” and also nasi lemak, mee goreng, rendang, and some Malay traditional cakes.
During Deepavali, the Chetties receive visitors from various races such as Malays and Chinese, sometimes foreigners also pays a visit to experience the Deepavali celebration. It is their unique way of celebration that attracts people. Other than that, their Deepavali morning bath is the same where they have an oil bath. Right after that, they dress up and visit the temple with some offerings to thank the deity. Since Melaka Chetties are staying in a small community at Melaka, the temple will be crowded and they would just walk to the temple. You will experience the old classic style of living where neighbors share their Deepavali foods and every house will be an open house. However, Melaka Chetties is always unique and they are really strict in captivating their authentic religion and spreading it to the upcoming generations.
By,
Kousalya Selvam
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