Festival of Lights enlivens city

A ‘bhangra’ troupe performing at the Kuala Lumpur Deepavali Celebration 2025 organised by DBKL.

THE air was alive with music, dance and the aroma of Indian delicacies as Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) held its Deepavali Celebration 2025 at the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) in Jalan Ampang.

Hosted by Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, the event saw more than 300 guests, including Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa who launched the celebration by adding the finishing touches to a colourful kolam with peacock motif symbolising harmony and prosperity.

DBKL performers dancing to traditional Indian music.

Guests were treated to lively performances featuring bhangra dancers, tabla beats and traditional dances by the DBKL cultural troupe decked out in gold and crimson costumes.

The festive atmosphere continued outdoors, where performers danced and entertained guests against the backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers.

The air was rich with the scent of naan, tandoori chicken and crispy roti boom as well as pani puri as guests lined up for food or posed for photos with Dr Zaliha and Maimunah, who mingled warmly with the crowd.

Maimunah (centre) accompanying Dr Zaliha (right) in placing the final grains of coloured rice on a ‘kolam’ to launch the Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s Deepavali celebration.

In her speech, Maimunah said Deepavali was not only about lights and colour but also about unity, harmony and hope which reflected the essence of Kuala Lumpur.

“Through events like this, we celebrate our diversity and the inclusivity that define us as Malaysians,” she said.

“May this Festival of Lights bring brightness, peace and prosperity to all,” she said.