Starchild: Malaysian kids share their Festival of Lights celebrations

Evangeline Mikayla Lim, 9

Deepavali, or Diwali, is an important religious festival for Hindus, but it is also observed among Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists.

Cara Sim, 8Also known as the Festival of Lights, this special occasion – which falls on Monday – marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

In Hindu stories, Deepavali celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and his return home after 14 years in exile.

People lit rows of oil lamps, or diyas, to welcome him back.

That is why lights are an important part of the celebration – they remind everyone to stay positive and spread kindness.

In the days before Deepavali, Hindu families clean and decorate their homes.

They hang up kolam designs made with coloured rice or flour at the entrance to bring good luck.

On Deepavali morning, families wake up early for an oil bath, which symbolises purification. They then put on new traditional clothes – women often wear bright sarees while men wear jippa and veshti. Prayers are held at home or in the temple.

Msherjit Singh, 5

Sweet treats like laddu and murukku, and savoury dishes like thosai, idli and curries, are shared with family, friends and neighbours.

Fahri Al-Humaidi Mohd Fakhruddin, 6Many families also hold open houses, where people of all backgrounds are welcome to join in the celebrations.

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

Cara Sim, nine, says: "I wish Starchild readers a Happy Deepavali!" 

Lakshmi Segaran, 10, is excited because Deepavali is coming soon.

“My grandmother is making many snacks like murukku, ghee balls and her famous dessert, gulab jamun.

"At night, we will light diyas and watch fireworks. Deepavali is my favourite festival because it is full of lights.”

“Deepavali is coming soon and I am very happy for my friends who celebrate it. My neighbour always invites my family to his house for Deepavali.

"His house will be full of lights and it will smell so nice because his mother will cook many delicious dishes,” says Fahri Al-Humaidi Mohd Fakhruddin, six.

Maryam El-Haura Mohd Fakhruddin, 5Younger sibling Maryam El-Haura Mohd Fakhruddin, five, writes: “I love eating murukku during Deepavali.

"I also hope Mummy buys me some pretty bangles for the celebration!”

“This year, Oct 20 is extra special because it marks Gurgaddi Day – the day the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, was made the eternal guide. On this day, we will visit the gurdwara (temple) in the morning,” writes Msherman Singh, 12.

“Wishing everyone a very Happy Deepavali! May your day be filled with lots of light, laughter and yummy sweets,” says Evangeline Mikayla Lim, nine.

Younger sibling Josie Grace Lim, four, writes: “Happy Deepavali to all Starchild readers!”

Josie Grace Lim, 4

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes, "I celebrated Diwali with my classmates this year! A good friend invited me to her house. I brought a small gift and some snacks to share. Her home was decorated with kolam, and we took fun photos together. Wishing everyone a Happy Deepavali full of joy and light!"

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12

ITEM: Imagine you are a famous celebrity. How would you hide your identity so people don’t recognise you? Would you wear a cap, mask or big sunglasses? What fake name would you use? Would you want a bodyguard in case fans spot you? Or would you rather live like a normal kid instead of a superstar? Tell us what you think – and don’t forget to draw yourself in disguise (or with your cool bodyguard)!

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Oct 31. Please put “STARCHILD: Celebrity in disguise” in the subject line of your email.

Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. 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.