Deepavali Celebrated Joyfully Nationwide, Strengthening Unity Among Malaysia’s Multiracial Communities

KUALA LUMPUR: Deepavali was celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindus across the country today, beginning with religious ceremonies, visits to places of worship and the tradition of visiting relatives and friends.

A Bernama survey at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves found that the temple grounds began filling with devotees early in the morning, including families dressed in traditional attire to perform religious rituals.

A visitor, Vishnu, 36, who attended with his wife and two children, said visiting the temple had been a tradition since childhood, which he now continued with his family.

He also expressed pride in seeing tourists and people of various ethnic backgrounds joining in the festive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in SELANGOR, A. Narmatha, 23, who was met after performing prayers at the Ellai Muniyandi Temple in Setia Alam, expressed hope that this year’s celebration would bring abundant blessings and happiness to all Malaysians.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, in a Facebook post, said Deepavali continued to serve as a platform for strengthening harmony among the state’s diverse communities.

He also assured that the welfare of the Indian community would continue to be enhanced through various state government initiatives.

In PERAK, approximately 10,000 Hindu devotees gathered at the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh, Ipoh, to perform prayers as early as 6.30am.

The temple’s chairman, R. Seetharaman, 56, said most devotees performed prayers at home before visiting the temple and continuing the tradition of visiting relatives.

A survey found that the atmosphere at the temple became increasingly festive as visitors arrived in colourful traditional attire, carrying offerings such as flowers, milk and fruits as expressions of gratitude.

In PENANG, the festive spirit was evident at the Muniswarar Temple in Jalan Baru and the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple in Seberang Jaya, which attracted devotees of all ages from early morning.

A housewife, R. Dewi, 68, from Seberang Jaya, described this year’s celebration as an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships not only among family members but also with neighbours of different ethnic backgrounds, ensuring that the spirit of unity continues to be passed down to younger generations.

Meanwhile, in NEGERI SEMBILAN, the management of the Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Temple in Seremban took the initiative to divide religious ceremonies into two sessions, in the morning and evening, to ensure devotees’ comfort and prevent overcrowding.

In KEDAH, this year’s celebration brought considerable relief to Hindu devotees in Anak Bukit who had previously been affected by flooding.

A resident, R. Nandran, 43, expressed gratitude for being able to celebrate peacefully with his family without worrying about floodwaters entering their home, as had happened last year.

His family also hosted an open house, serving various halal dishes, including mutton curry, thosai and biryani, to welcome Malay and Chinese friends and neighbours.

Similar relief was expressed by S. Khulanasari, 36, who lives in Penang and returned to Kuala Kedah to celebrate with her parents after being unable to do so for two years due to work commitments.

In KELANTAN, the Indian community in Kampung Ladang Kerrila, Tanah Merah, celebrated the Festival of Lights modestly but meaningfully, beginning the day with religious ceremonies at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

A resident, G. Maran, 45, said this year’s celebration provided an excellent opportunity to reunite relatives returning to their hometown and enjoy traditional delicacies such as murukku.

In JOHOR, the 115-year-old Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple in Johor Bahru attracted approximately 2,500 Hindu devotees, including foreign workers from India and Nepal.

The temple’s treasurer, Murali Sami, said the historic place of worship also attracted international tourists, particularly from Western countries and China, who were fascinated by its unique architecture and Hindu traditions.

In PAHANG, the home of senior citizen R. Palamal, 65, in Kuantan was filled with festive cheer as more than 30 relatives from various locations gathered to celebrate together after performing prayers at the Sri Mariamman Temple.

In PERLIS, despite the relatively small Indian community, celebrations at the Arulmigu Arumugaswamy Dhevasthanam Temple in Kangar were lively from as early as 7am.

The temple’s chairman, Datuk Dr R. Hari Ram, said more than 200 devotees were expected to visit the temple.

He added that the temple management had also prepared and distributed food to residents of an elderly care home to share the joy of the Festival of Lights.

BERNAMA