Murukku: A Festive Staple in Hindu Households Across Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: With Deepavali just around the corner, murukku has once again become a festive staple in Hindu households across Malaysia. The festive season presents an opportunity for sellers of this iconic Indian snack to celebrate their cultural heritage while earning an income.
The Art of Making Murukku
For Jeyacanth Govindraj, the third-generation owner of Selera Snacks in Petaling Jaya, producing over 5,000 pieces of murukku daily is no small feat.
"We operate from 8am to 10pm, and as we prepare the murukku using the traditional spiralling method, my employees need to complete around 10,000 rounds daily. I have to rotate my team to keep up with demand," the 46-year-old told Bernama at his store recently.
The Business of Murukku
Jeyacanth shared that, while he receives enquiries from as far as Singapore, the delicate texture of his murukku and its lack of preservatives limit his distribution range. "My murukku has a shelf life of only 15 days," Jeyacanth explained.
Selera Snacks, which has been in business for over 30 years, offers 20 flavours of murukku and cookies. Jeyacanth also provides discounted prices for bulk orders, allowing suppliers to earn a profit.
A Home-Based Business
In Johor Bahru, V Sumathi, owner of Vannavil Home-made Cookies, expressed excitement over this year’s brisk sales.
"So far, we’ve sold over 1,000 containers of murukku, and the crowds have been immense over the weekend with Deepavali just days away," the 50-year-old shared.
In Ipoh, Perak, N Pusparani is a home-based baker with over a decade of experience. "I started selling murukku because I love its cultural significance within the Hindu community, and it’s a beloved snack among Malaysians," the 58-year-old said.
Conclusion
The festive season is a time of celebration and joy for many, and for vendors like Jeyacanth, Sumathi, and Pusparani, it’s an opportunity to share their cultural heritage and earn a living. As the demand for murukku continues to grow, it’s clear that this iconic snack will remain a staple in Hindu households across Malaysia for years to come.
FAQs
- What is murukku?
Murukku is a traditional Indian snack made from rice flour, usually served during special occasions and festivals. - What is the shelf life of murukku?
Murukku typically has a shelf life of 15 days. - Can murukku be distributed to other parts of the world?
While some vendors receive enquiries from as far as Singapore, the delicate texture of their murukku and lack of preservatives limit their distribution range.