KUALA LUMPUR: Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is one of the most anticipated and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in Malaysia, India, and across the globe.
As homes light up with vibrant hues for Diwali, the festival also illuminates unity and harmony in the country, bringing together Malaysians of different races and religions to share in the joy, the food, and the extended weekend.
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The festival is recognised as a celebration of lights, happiness, wealth, and joy, typically observed on the darkest night of the year in the Hindu month of Kartik, also known as Kartik Amavasya.
In Sanskrit, Deepavali literally means "Festival of Lights", with Hindus illuminating their homes using clay lamps or other lights, with the current trend being LED lights.
The golden glow from these lamps not only signifies warmth but also the accomplishment of material attributes such as wealth, fame, knowledge, success, and peace.
The colourful festival celebrated by Hindu devotees worldwide typically falls in late October or early November, with this year's auspicious day on Oct 31 (Thursday).
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Hindus consider Deepavali one of their most important festivals. According to legend, a demon king, Narakasura, ruled Pradyoshapuram with an iron fist, causing suffering, especially for women imprisoned in his palace.
Witnessing the people's suffering, Lord Krishna set out to destroy the demon king, and the day of his victory is celebrated as Deepavali, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
Preparations for Deepavali usually begin two to three weeks prior, with homes being cleaned, and some people going the extra mile by renovating or freshening up with new paint, curtains or furniture.
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Families typically purchase new clothes and accessories, decorate their homes, and draw "kolam" on their front porches with traditional Rangoli motifs to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The "kolam" features geometric design elements like dots, lines, triangles, and auspicious symbols such as the swastika, peacock, conch shell, lotus, trident, and star, which relate to cosmic harmony and spiritual energy.
Coloured rice, grated coconut, and even silver or gold dust may be used to create these patterns, traditionally laid out in areas around shrines and entrances by women to add to the celebration's gaiety.
On this auspicious day, Hindu devotees typically rise early to perform the gingelly (sesame) oil bath, an enduring ritual despite the younger generation's preference for soap and shampoo.
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They then dress in new clothes — men donning dhoti or kurtas, women in silk sarees, Punjabi suits, or lehengas — and head to temples, avoiding black attire on this day.
Hindus also pay their respects to elders and the deceased, recognising it as an important ritual.
Open house visits are a highlight of this day, offering a chance to taste a variety of delicious Indian cuisine and cookies.
Visitors are served tempting sweets and snacks, with "murukku" being the signature savoury, popular not just among Indians but also enjoyed by Malays and Chinese.
With Indians known for spicy food, favourites like chicken or mutton curry, prawn sambal, and fish head curry are a must, while vegetarian homes serve dishes like thosai, idly, puri, and naan.
Countries celebrating the festival in their unique ways include India, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, Thailand, South Africa, Trinidad, Australia, the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.
Deepavali, a significant day for Hindus, celebrated alongside Malaysians of all backgrounds, is a major festival in Malaysia and will undoubtedly continue to be one. – Bernama
