KUALA LUMPUR: The vibrant spirit of Deepavali was evident across the country as communities came together to embrace the rich traditions, food and culture associated with the Festival of Lights.
In SELANGOR, thousands joined Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at an open house jointly hosted by MIC and Maju Institute of Educational Development.
Arriving at the event in Kota Kemuning at about 11.10am yesterday, the Prime Minister was greeted by party president Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran to the beat of traditional Indian drums.
Also present were MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Dressed in traditional attire, from sarees and salwar kameez to veshtis and jippas, guests mingled in a festive atmosphere while enjoying an array of traditional Indian delicacies and Malaysian favourites.
Kollywood, Bollywood and Malay songs reverberated throughout the hall as local artistes performed dances, adding colour to the occasion.
At the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves, the grounds were already buzzing early in the morning as families arrived to offer prayers.
Vishnu, 36, who came with his wife and two children, said visiting the temple had been a family tradition since his childhood.
He said it was also heartening to see tourists and Malaysians of various races joining in the celebrations.
In PERAK, thousands gathered at the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple at Gunung Cheroh, Ipoh, from as early as 6.30am to offer prayers.
Temple chairman R. Seetharaman, 56, said many devotees began the day with prayers at home before heading to the temple, arriving in colourful traditional attire carrying offerings of flowers, milk and fruits, Bernama reported.
In NEGRI SEMBILAN, the Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Temple in Seremban held two prayer sessions due to the large number of devotees.
In KEDAH, this year’s celebrations brought joy and relief to Hindus in Anak Bukit who had been affected by the previous floods.
Resident R. Nandran, 43, said he was grateful to be able to celebrate peacefully with his family without worrying about his home, which was flooded last year.
His family hosted an open house with dishes such as mutton curry, thosai and briyani prepared for visitors.
In KELANTAN, the celebration was simple but meaningful, starting the day with prayers at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Kampung Ladang Kerrila, Tanah Merah.
Resident G. Maran, 45, said the occasion was a chance to reunite with relatives who had returned to their hometowns and enjoy traditional treats.
In PAHANG, the home of R. Palamal, 65, in Kuantan was filled with laughter and family cheer as relatives from different parts of the country gathered to celebrate after offering prayers at the Sri Mariamman Temple.
In PERLIS, the Arulmigu Arumugaswamy Dhevasthanam Temple in Kangar welcomed devotees from 7am onwards.
Temple chairman Datuk Dr R. Hari Ram said the temple management also prepared and distributed food to residents of an old folks’ home.
In SARAWAK, this year’s celebrations were a different experience for serviceman R. Ruhthiran, 20, as he celebrated the festival away from his family in Klang for the first time.
Stationed at the Penrissen Camp in Kuching, the second of five siblings said being away from his family is part of the demands of military service.
“I miss my family, but I am enjoying my time here. Being separated from loved ones is part of life as a soldier,” he told Bernama before attending prayers at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Batu Lintang.
For Kuching resident Pramod Kumar, 67, Deepavali remains a meaningful occasion.
“We usually start the day with prayers at the temple, followed by a family gathering to celebrate Deepavali and seek blessings,” he said.
In SABAH, people of various ethnicities and faiths gathered at the Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Temple in Kota Kinabalu.
First-time visitor Geoffrey Lo, 50, said he was excited to experience the Deepavali celebrations at the temple.
“This is my first time here and I am really excited ... the food is delicious too,” he said.
