APRIL arrives in Malaysia with a sweep of colour, rhythm and devotion as three festivals – Tamil New Year (Puthandu), Malayalee New Year (Vishu) and Vaisakhi – unfold almost side by side.
In the Klang Valley, Hindu temples and Sikh gurdwaras stirred to life before sunrise.
At Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple in Jalan Selangor, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, the steady pulse of traditional drums filled the compound as devotees gathered in prayer.
Families moved through the grounds with brightly decorated chariots, their offerings a moving expression of gratitude and hope for the year ahead.
Contrary to popular belief, Vaisakhi is not the Sikh New Year, which fell on March 14.
It is a harvest festival, which also coincided with the founding of the Khalsa order by the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
At Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya in Lorong Utara, the day began in the kitchen for many.
Volunteers – teenagers, parents, retirees – worked shoulder to shoulder preparing langar or food from the community kitchen.
By mid‑morning, long lines formed as visitors were served and sat together for a communal vegetarian meal, a reminder of the Sikh values of equality and communities.
More photos
Visitors to the gurdwara being served during the celebration.
Jodhpal Singh (right) lending a hand with preparations during Vaisakhi at Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya.
Melvindee Kaur (centre) holding her daughter Heeran Heer Kaur while both admire the flowers.
Women with trays of offerings for Tamil New Year.
Volunteers helping to raise the Sikh flag.
