AS DEEPAVALI approaches, families are busy completing their preparations to welcome the Festival of Lights.
Among those getting ready is dentist Dr A. Vishalinni, 37, who is planning a big open house for the first time at her home in Iskandar Puteri to celebrate Deepavali with relatives, friends and neighbours.
The mother-of-two said the occasion would be extra special as she and her husband, fellow dentist Dr R. Dinesh, 37, looked forward to hosting relatives from Kuala Lumpur.
“We usually take turns celebrating Deepavali in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru, but this year, my husband’s family will be coming here to celebrate with us,” she said.
“We have also decided to host a proper open house for the first time since moving into our home here.
“We have invited our neighbours, colleagues, friends and even some of my Korean friends whom I met through yoga classes. I am really excited to have everyone over,” she told StarMetro.
She said hosting an open house was a tradition she grew up with and hoped to continue with her daughters, Dhanya, eight, and Dhriti, four.
“When I was young, my father would always invite people over for Deepavali, but I feel that this tradition has become less common over the years.
“It doesn’t have to be a big celebration. Even inviting 10 or 15 people over is enough, as long as we continue the tradition.
“I think it is a beautiful way to bring people together, regardless of race or background,” she said.
Dr Vishalinni said preparations started with the food, followed by decorations and other arrangements to accommodate guests.
“We will be preparing some dishes ourselves on the eve of Deepavali, including cooking mutton varuval and my mother-in-law’s signature chicken kurma.
“However, for the open house, we have decided to get food catered as there will be quite a number of guests,” she said.
Besides food, Dr Vishalinni has decorated her home with festive lights and kolam, while making arrangements for canopies in case of rain.
Meanwhile, accountant R. Gayathiri, 28, who runs a business with her family selling festive biscuits, said preparations for Deepavali usually began about three weeks before the celebration.
“Preparing festive biscuits is a family affair for us, with everyone playing a part in getting things ready for Deepavali.
“My aunt handles the baking, while the rest of the family helps out with other preparations.
“For our own Deepavali celebration, we usually set aside some of the biscuits and snacks that we have prepared,” she said.
Gayathiri said she had completed most of her preparations for Deepavali, with only the decorations left to put up.
“I prefer to keep things simple when it comes to decorating the house.
“A few festive lights and a kolam are enough to create the Deepavali atmosphere.
“For me, the most important part of the celebration is spending time with family and enjoying the occasion together,” she said.
