JOHOR BARU: Each year during Deepavali, one home in Felda Ulu Tebrau in Ulu Tiram here turns into a hive of activity when 45 people gather to celebrate under one roof. Currently, there are 27 members of the same family living in the house, with the oldest being 74 and the youngest aged two.

       The family has been living like this for many years in the 17-room house, which the family has occupied since 1969. Today, the structure can no longer be extended as it has run out of space.

       Third-generation Felda settler Ramesh Krishnan said four generations of the family currently lived in the house.

       “Before the pandemic, Deepavali was celebrated with much pomp at our home. All our Muslim neighbours would come to visit us.

       “But because of Covid-19, we no longer invite anyone and only have the celebration within our own family,” he said.

       This year, they sent packed food to their neighbours on Deepavali.

       Ramesh said his late grandfather, a migrant worker from India who became a Malaysian, was allocated four hectares of land and another 0.2ha plot for a house under the Felda scheme in 1969.

       “We are very thankful that the government introduced Felda to the poor and that our family has been part of this scheme.

       “At that time, the house only had one room. Over the years, we have renovated it at least 10 times to accommodate the increasing number of family members.

       “We also have a basement,” he added.

       When Ramesh’s family first moved to Felda Ulu Tebrau, it was a dense jungle with no running water or electricity.

       Water amenities were installed in 1976, electricity in 1981 and telephone services in 1993.

       Ramesh said his family was close- knit and would hold family meetings to collectively make decisions, especially when it came to weddings.

       “At 74, my mother is the eldest in the family while the youngest is her two-year-old great, great grand-daughter,” said the oldest of five siblings.

       He said that over the years, at least three branches of their family, including his own, had to move out to other houses nearby.

       “This house is never quiet. It is full of life and that is what we love about it,” he added.

       Ramesh, who runs logistics and food catering businesses, said that each day, they would have to prepare many meals for everyone in the house.

       “In my catering business, I can cook for up to 10,000 people due to the training that I got from this house,” he joked.

       He said they would hold prayers for their ancestors on the eve of Deepavali, followed by special prayers on the morning of the festival day before having their breakfast.

       Ramesh also said that they had many good friends and neighbours at the 3,200ha settlement, which provides a livelihood for over 700 settlers.