Starchild: Malaysian children are glad to celebrate Deepavali

Lim Jo Ern, 7

Deepavali, which was celebrated yesterday, is an important religious festival here in Malaysia. It is mainly celebrated by those of the Hindu faith, but around the world, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists also observe the Festival of Lights, which marks the triumph of good over evil.

There are several Deepavali customs. On Deepavali, or Diwali, families would get up early in the morning to take an oil bath, symbolic of cleansing and purifying one’s body and mind.

They would then perform prayers at home or worship in the temple. A kolam (or rangoli), beautiful intricate floor designs made with dyed rice and colourful powders, often decorate homes.

Deepavali is also, of course, a day of feasting. Family and friends gather for delicious food such as thosai, chicken curry and traditional delicacies like muruku, palkova and ghee balls.

Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Deepavali.

Debria Preethi Jeyarajah, 10

Zuby Msherman Singh, 8

Eight-year-old Zuby Msherman Singh says Deepavali is the happiest and the most colourful time for his family.

“I am in Penang for Diwali. I can also cycle happily all around the large house compound, decorated with the lighted diyas. My dadima (grandma) Jagjit Kaur, who is recently out of the hospital, loves Starchild, especially the Wordsearch puzzles.”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 4

Isharvir Singh, 12

“I would like to wish all my Hindu friends a very happy festival of lights. Remember to always wash your hands before snacking on Deepavali cookies and sweets,” says Asher Wang Qi Chuen, four.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

Older sibling Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six, says: “May this Deepavali be a joyous and meaningful one despite the pandemic we face. Enjoy the holiday and have a safe celebration everyone.”

Loy Ru Shyuen, 5

“May the warmth and splendour that are part of this auspicious occasion fill you with happiness, peace and prosperity. Cheers and Happy Diwali,” says Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12.

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12

Mandy Tang, 5

Younger sibling Jayden Tan Li Sheng, eight, writes: “I hope Malaysians celebrating Diwali are having a wonderful time with their family and loved ones. May the festival of lights bring health, wealth and happiness. Have a fun and festive Diwali!”

Rasslyn Kaur Bedi, 6

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 8

“I wish all my Hindu friends a peaceful and safe celebration on Diwali. Happy Diwali to all of you,” says seven-year-old Lim Jo Ern.

“There are many Hindu gods, and Goddess Lakshmi is one of the Hindu gods. She is the goddess of wealth. Everybody is celebrating Deepavali. It is to celebrate the triumph of good over evil,” says Claire Yap Jyn Wei, six.

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 8

Older sibling Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, eight, says: “Deepavali means row of lights. So when Deepavali comes, Hindus decorate their houses with coloured rice called rangoli. They put them in patterns that make up one whole picture. They also light candles because Deepavali is the festival of lights, and light means brightness.”

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 6

Kamalvir Singh, 8

ITEM: Balloons come in various shapes, colours and sizes. Draw a picture of a balloon that you fancy. It can be cartoon-themed balloons, animal-shaped ones or the plain round ones in different colours.

Why do you think balloons are important at parties? Starchild wants to know.

Don’t forget to include a drawing of yourself (and your friends) having a gala time with balloons.

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Nov 19. Please put “STARCHILD: “Balloons” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.