PETALING JAYA: For Malaysians living abroad, Deepavali is less about celebration and more about a sense of longing for home, family gatherings, the festive food and open houses.
Yet, through temple visits, family gatherings and shared meals, they are finding their own ways to keep the Festival of Light alive while carrying a piece of home with them.
Venmathi Pradeep Kumar, a 25-year-old nurse in Perth, Western Australia, will be observing her sixth consecutive Deepavali away from Malaysia.
“It has been six years since I last celebrated Deepavali at home with my extended family members and friends.
“I can’t come home this year due to expensive travel fares and limited leave.
“Deepavali is also not a public holiday here,” she said.
Despite the distance, Venmathi will continue to observe the festival by visiting a temple with her family before spending time with friends over festive meals.
What she misses most about Deepavali back home is the lively atmosphere and spending time with extended family and friends.
“In Malaysia, we go to open houses and enjoy delicious Indian food. You get to celebrate with many people and invite guests into your home. Here, it is celebrated in a more private way,” she said.
Her family keeps key traditions alive by hosting gatherings where her mother cooks favourites such as biryani, chicken curry, mutton varuval and murukku.
Prof Dr Kanes K. Rajah, 74, has lived in London since 1970.
He will be coming home to Petaling Jaya after Deepavali.
He last celebrated the festival in Malaysia in 2024 at his brother’s house.
To keep the festive spirit alive, the Malaysian British Society, which Dr Kanes chairs, organised a Deepavali before the festival.
“We had Bharatanatyam performances and singing sessions. Many Malaysians who attended felt nostalgic and it was a marvellous gathering. We could not light traditional vilakku lamps so we used LEDs instead,” he said.
As in Australia, Deepavali celebrations in the UK are generally more private, said Dr Kanes whose family now considers Britain home.
His wife, two daughters and four grandchildren are all based in London.
“But preserving our identity and legacy is important to me. And there must always be mutton on the menu,” he added.
Oxford-based Dr Kogila Balakrishnan, 57, said she had not returned to Malaysia for Deepavali since 2012.
Originally from Puchong, she said the fact that it was not a public holiday in Britain meant she had to make arrangements around work commitments.
This year, she plans to celebrate in Chelmsford with her husband, son and sister by visiting a nearby temple, having lunch together, enjoying sweets and exchanging gifts.
“Since Deepavali falls on a weekend this year, we can spend more time together and cook as a family,” she said.
Like the others, she said she missed the festive atmosphere in Malaysia and how the whole country celebrated the occasion together.
