WITH less than two weeks to go before Deepavali on Nov 8, families are preparing to celebrate the Festival of Lights with prayers, traditional delicacies, new clothes and gatherings with loved ones.
The festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Beyond the celebrations, it is also a time to spread cheer and reach out to those in need.
Reaching hospitals, prisons
In keeping with the spirit, the Penang Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram (MHDM) branch and the Om Sakthi Devotees Association organised an event to prepare and pack 5,000 packets of muruku and other traditional cookies for distribution
to Penang Hospital, Penang Remand Prison and Jawi Prison.
The annual event was held at SJKT Azad last Sunday, with the distribution scheduled for today.
MHDM Penang branch chairman N. Thanabalan said the initiative reflected the values of compassion, humanity and generosity associated with the Festival of Lights.
“Deepavali is not just about celebrating with our families. It is about sharing our blessings and bringing happiness to those who may be less fortunate,” he said.
The festive packs, containing muruku, mixture of spices and adhirasam (Indian kuih), were prepared by members of both associations and volunteers. The initiative cost about RM10,000.
Thanabalan said the festival was an opportunity to spread kindness and share its joy with those who might otherwise have fewer reasons to celebrate.
He said Hindu inmates at the two prisons would also receive gingelly oil, santhanam (sandalwood powder), shikakai (a traditional hair cleanser), kumkum (vermillion powder) and vibuthi (sacred ash) for their ritual baths and prayers on Deepavali.
“These prayer items will be provided to Hindu inmates so that they can observe their religious practices during the festival,” he said.
He added that the initiative aimed to help inmates observe Deepavali according to their religious customs despite being away from their families.
Om Sakthi Devotees Association Penang branch chairman Kumares Nalla Thamby said about 30 association members prepared the muruku at their centre in Simpang Empat last Saturday.
“The volunteers worked from 8am to 5pm to prepare the muruku, and all the items were brought to SJKT Azad on Sunday for packing,” he said.
He described the initiative as a meaningful way to celebrate Deepavali, which encourages people to do good and spread positivity regardless of race or background.
New attire, meal
Fifteen underprivileged
children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Vallal Malaysia enjoyed a shopping trip for new Deepavali clothes, followed by dinner and angpow gifts, courtesy of Listen Security Sdn Bhd.
The children, aged five to 17, were taken to Umayal Textiles in Lebuh Pasar to choose their festive outfits before heading to a restaurant in Lebuh King
for dinner.
The outing was part of Listen Security’s annual Deepavali charity programme, which the company has for more than a decade organised for children from less privileged backgrounds.
Pertubuhan Kebajikan Vallal Malaysia chairman V. Girithren said the children were delighted to choose their own outfits.
“Wearing new clothes is an important part of Deepavali. Children from welfare homes sometimes feel left out when they see their friends in new clothes while they do not have any.
“We are grateful that the company has come forward to sponsor our children and make them feel special this festive season,” he said.
Girithren said the organisation provided shelter for underprivileged children, adding that such initiatives allowed them to celebrate Deepavali like their peers.
Listen Security director Datuk Arumugam Sinnasamy said the programme reflected the company’s commitment to giving back to the community.
“Deepavali is a festival of sharing, compassion and togetherness. We want these children to experience the joy of the occasion and know that the community cares about their happiness and well-being,” he said.
He added that community support should be a lasting commitment rather than a one-off gesture.
Also present were Listen Security managing director Suhaini Bakri and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Vallal Malaysia secretary K. Manimaren.
Essentials for families
Some 180 underprivileged families received a helping hand from the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) ahead of Deepavali.
PHA president Datuk P. Murugiah said each family received cash, a hamper containing 36 grocery items, as well as a goodie bag filled with cookies, snacks and sweets for the festive season.
Children were also given angpow during the annual Deepavali charity programme at Ramakrishna Ashrama Hall in Jalan Scotland on Sunday.
Murugiah said the annual programme aimed to help ease the financial burden of less fortunate families, who often face additional expenses during the festive season.
He said the essential items included rice, milk powder, curry powder, flour, sugar and cooking oil, along with other household necessities to help recipients prepare for the festive season.
“The recipients come from various ethnic backgrounds in Penang and Kedah.
“We obtain the list of recipients through clinics and hospitals in Seberang Jaya, Kulim and Sungai Petani, with social workers in Penang also helping us identify B40 families in need.
“We want to share the joy of Deepavali with them and help ease their burden,” he said.
He added that similar aid would be distributed to selected orphanages and old folk’s homes as part of the association’s Deepavali outreach.
The programme was co-organised with Klinik Derma Sivasanta, the welfare arm of the Temple of Fine Arts.
It was officiated by state housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu. Also present was Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim.
On another matter, Murugiah said Indian students who were unable to pursue tertiary education due to inadequate academic qualifications or financial difficulties could approach PHA for advice on alternative pathways into skills-based education.
“Upon completion, these pathways can give them a sense of a future, with opportunities to pursue further studies or secure jobs and meaningful employment,” he said.
Murugiah also expressed hope that more eligible Indian youths with stable incomes would consider marriage and starting a family.
“PHA runs a non-profit programme to help eligible Malaysian Hindus find life partners. Those interested can contact us,” he added.
Handmade treats
The North Malaysia Malayali Samajam (NMMS), which has about 600 members across Penang, Kedah and Perlis, is bringing festive cheer to residents of care institutions this Deepavali.
Its president Sumathi KV Nair said the 74-year-old association had prepared 3,000 pieces of muruku for distribution to orphanages, old folk’s homes and care homes in George Town, Butterworth, Kulim, Sungai Petani and Alor Setar.
About 20 members gathered at its premises in Jalan Masjid Negeri to make the traditional snack.
Sumathi said the activity also helped younger members appreciate their cultural roots and traditions passed down by older generations.
“Deepavali is a time for celebration, togetherness and sharing. This is the second year we are holding the programme,” she said.
Members kneaded the dough, shaped the muruku, fried them and packed the finished snacks.
Some mixed rice flour, jeera (cumin), omam (carom seeds), sesame seeds and butter, while others pressed the dough through traditional moulds to form spirals.
At the frying station, members lowered the spirals into hot oil until they turned golden brown before passing them to the packing team.
