Hindus to celebrate Deepavali on Sunday
KUALA LUMPUR: Hindus across the country will celebrate Deepavali on Nov 8 with traditional prayers, religious rituals and family gatherings marking the Festival of Lights.
Hindus in Malaysia will observe Deepavali on Sunday, November 8, with prayers, rituals, and family celebrations marking the Festival of Lights. Also known as Diwali, Deepavali commemorates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Key traditions include lighting oil lamps (agal vilakku) to dispel darkness and bring hope, positivity, and prosperity.
Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram President Rishi Kumar Vadivelu noted that Deepavali also prompts devotees to conquer negative qualities such as arrogance, jealousy, and ego. The word 'Deepavali' comes from Tamil words 'Deepam' (oil lamp) and 'Avali' (a row or arrangement of lamps). Preparations commence on November 7, with families praying to honor their clan deity (Kula Deivam) for blessings.
On Deepavali morning, families perform Ganga Snanam, an oil-head bath ritual believed to bestow spiritual blessings, followed by wearing new clothes, seeking blessings, offering prayers, and visiting temples before sharing festive meals and sweets. Malaysia Hindu Sangam National President Thanga Ganesan emphasized that Deepavali strengthens family bonds and preserves cultural and religious traditions for future generations.
He encouraged Malaysians to extend the celebration's joy to friends of other communities, fostering unity in Malaysia's multiracial society. MIC vice-president and former deputy minister T. Murugiah urged the Indian community to use the festival to strengthen family ties, promote unity, and aid the less fortunate, urging the government to prioritize the welfare, education, employment, and economic development of the Indian community, especially those in the B40 income group.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
