Time to plan!
Planning in advance is especially important as it saves time, energy, and money. Our planning guides should help you decide what you should do on this wonderful day.
What day is it?
Deepavali Malaysia!
Here we have written a handy guide for you to follow to help your celebration of this festival be a lot better.
This guide is merely suggesting what should be done and you do not have to follow exactly!
Introduction to Deepavali
Deepavali, the most decorated of Hindu festivals is also known as the “Festival of Lights”, drawing from the fact that it is the day where light overcame darkness in battle. It also symbolises the overcoming of knowledge over ignorance.
It is an official holiday in countries like Fiji, India, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and well as here, in Malaysia!
The word “Deepavali” has an interesting etymology: The word “Deep” means “light” and the word “avail” means “a row”. Hence, “Deepavali” means “a row of lights”.
Deepavali occurs during late October or during early November and every year, falls on the 15th day of Kartik, which is a Hindu month.
How Malaysians Celebrate Deepavali
Due to the fact that Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, you don’t have to be a Hindu in order to celebrate Deepavali.
Most Hindus in Malaysia consist of the Indian population, though there are other minorities that are Hindus.
Celebration is done by cleaning out the house/office the night before and the following day; everyone is dressed in their newest and finest attire!
Here, you will be able to see a burst of colours as you, your friends, and your family dress up in the richly dyed and lavishly decorated saris and kurtas!
Being invited into the home of your Hindu friends and enjoying sweets and traditional Indian delicacies is sure to delight!
You will be able to savour a variety of delights that Malaysian Hindus have to offer! If you are averse to spicy food, fret not, as there are many sweets like Palgova that will tantalise your tastebuds.
As we are Malaysians, we sure do love our shopping! During Deepavali, the malls and major tourist destinations are aglow with decorations consisting of diyas (oil lamps and candles) and kolams.
We enjoy this festival not only by enjoying time with our friends and family, but also as a nation.
Ideas (To Do) on Deepavali Festival
- Visit Hindu friends
- Enjoy playing/watching fireworks (if permitted!)
- Participate in lighting lamps
- Making a kolam
- Going shopping for gifts
Famous Places to Visit during Deepavali Festival
- Little India, Brickfields
- Batu Caves
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple
We hope that you have enjoyed this lovingly put together guide and that your Deepavali 2017 celebration in Malaysia is as colourful and joyous as it has been and will be for many years to come!
If you like this article, do share it amongst your friends and family.
From all of us here, we wish all of you a lovely and safe Deepavali!