Food and family remain the key priorities
PETALING JAYA: Rising prices have compelled families to plan their Deepavali spending more carefully, but some traditional festive staples and time spent with loved ones remain non-negotiable for many.
“We will not compromise on the snacks that are a must for Deepavali, such as murukku and Indian sweets.”
“These are things we will always buy, regardless of the price,” said wildlife education officer Macarena Douglas, 25.
But her family would stick to a budget for food and clothing, she said.
“Five years ago, my family would simply buy whatever we wanted for Deepavali, but now we have to check prices, plan ahead and be more organised with what we want to get,” she said.
Beyond the food, she also looks forward to the traditions that bring her family together, from waking up early for an oil bath to visiting the temple and spending time with loved ones.
“In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Deepavali gives you an opportunity to pause, take a break from everything and embrace your culture, even if it is just for one day,” she added.
Meera Samanther, a lawyer and women’s rights activist, said traditional Deepavali dishes remained a priority, though she saw no need to buy new decorations every year.
“Food is something I definitely won’t compromise on, especially when it comes to mutton and other dishes, as well as the quality of the food.
“I also reuse my decorations and don’t feel the need to buy anything new unless something is faulty,” said Meera, 67.
Celebrating with her family through potlucks also helps distribute the task of preparing for the occasion, with relatives contributing different dishes to the meal.
“The family getting together is the best part of Deepavali, and that is precious. It’s not just about the day itself; it’s the anticipation and preparation leading up to it,” she said.
The importance of staple food items is reflected in shoppers’ purchases at Kuala Lumpur’s Little India, where spices, dry ingredients and ready-made mixes for festive snacks are in demand.
Prasanth, 34, a grocery shop supervisor, said some customers spent as much as RM600 on groceries and dry goods for Deepavali.
“Year by year, sales continue to increase, even if only slightly,” he said.
New clothes also remain an important part of festive preparations.
Raja, 27, a sales representative at a textile store in Brickfields, said the store had recorded more walk-in customers this year compared to last year.
“During the festive period, the store extends its operating hours until midnight, particularly on Deepavali eve, to accommodate last-minute shoppers buying clothes for the celebration and padayal, an offering made to honour their ancestors,” he said.
He observed that a family typically spent RM1,000 on clothing and accessories.
Jothi Chantheran, 31, manager of a newly opened textile store, said:
“We usually attract large crowds at night and on weekends, with as many as seven or eight groups of customers in the store at one time.”
The festive period also brings Malaysians travelling to celebrate with family, although express bus operators face growing competition from alternative transport options.
Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali said the expansion of Electric Train Services (ETS), carpooling, car rentals and buses arranged by universities and factories had affected ticket sales.
“We experienced a 30% to 40% loss in sales,” he said.
However, Ashfar said it was too early to determine this year’s Deepavali ticket sales, although operators had observed a slight surge in demand this time around.
