Here, various businesses selling silk, spices and snacks, among others, occupy pre-war shophouses, leading it to be widely known as “Little India”.

As Deepavali approaches, the street is transformed into a vibrant, bustling kaleidoscope of lights and sound, drawing visitors from all over the country and beyond.

During a recent visit by FMT Lifestyle, operators of decades-old enterprises shared their memories of the Festival of Lights and what makes the street truly special.

For Ravi M K Muthusamy Pillay – the sole proprietor of Muthu Pillay Enterprise, a grocery store – seeing visitors flock to Jalan Tengku Kelana before Deepavali is something he thoroughly enjoys.

He remembers the surge in shoppers from 2008 to 2010: some businesses even stayed open until 2am as they couldn’t keep customers away!

“You can see the excitement on their faces as they come from all over the country with their families. I spoke to some of them and they came from Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Ipoh,” said the 64-year-old, whose business was started by his grandfather in the 1950s.

“I would also see many Chinese and Malays mingling with the crowd,” he added.

Indrani Thiagarajah is the second-generation owner of Saanthi Silks, a business with over four decades of history that was started by her father-in-law.

“Many people buy clothes for their children as schools and offices have Bollywood events,” shared the 65-year-old, who has met tourists from as far as Singapore, Indonesia, Japan and Mauritius.

She, too, is delighted to note that Deepavali is a big festival on Jalan Tengku Kelana, not only for Indians but other races as well.

Indeed, this harmonious environment is what Mohamed Rafeeq Jamal Mohamed Batcha cherishes. He is the third-generation owner of A Jamal Mohamed & Co, a grocery store started by his grandfather in 1916.

For him, Jalan Tengku Kelana is more than a place of business: he grew up on the first floor of the shophouse the business occupies, and even got married there.

“Back then, it was known as Rembau Street and both our neighbours were Chinese,” the 54-year-old recalled. “During Hari Raya, we would send food over, and during Chinese New Year, they would give us drinks and groundnuts.”

Rafeeq also recalls a Chettiar community that lived nearby. “A Chettiar aunty would send us murukku and ‘palaharam’ (snacks) before Deepavali, and I enjoyed them,” he shared fondly.

For Kunaletchumy Doraisamy, managing director of Sri Rasi Silks, the Deepavali festivities are a “magical experience”.

“Each year, the excitement builds as generations of families return together to our shop. Our best memories are witnessing our customers leaving happily,” said the 37-year-old.

Their business is a family affair: it was started by her father-in-law and today, it is run by the second generation – Kunaletchumy, her husband, and his two brothers.

They particularly look forward to Deepavali eve, during which there is a grand celebration with an electrifying atmosphere.

“The street is transformed into a colourful spectacle of light and sound with fireworks, music, and last-minute sales with big discounts,” she said brightly.

“Our hope for Jalan Tengku Kelana is that it will continue to grow as a vibrant place for everyone in Malaysia – where traditions are celebrated, upcoming generations connect with their roots, and everyone can enjoy the beauty of Indian culture.

“I also hope we can keep changing and improving while staying true to the warmth and authenticity that makes Jalan Tengku Kelana so special,” she concluded.