Heart and Soul: Celebrating Deepavali with gratitude and caution

The Sri Mariamman Temple in Kuantan. Photos: Dr Kannan Pasamanickam

As I age, I have increasingly focused on the religious aspect of the Deepavali celebrations. This year there were more reasons for the subdued atmosphere. The Covid pandemic and the passing of family members, friends and fellow citizens in unprecedented numbers and tragic circumstances due to the illness reminded all of us how frail and uncertain life was.

Our helplessness about the political and economic uncertainties facing the country and anger at our elected representatives for their stupidity and for focusing on their own avarice rather than the needs and safety of the nation further dampened the mood this year. For most adults, the main emotion was not glee but rather gratitude for the well-being and camaraderie of family and friends. As we greeted family and friends, this thought was uppermost in our minds.