From Batu Caves to Gua Musang, Deepavali draws visitors near and far

Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, brought crowds to Batu Caves in Selangor and the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Gua Musang, Kelantan, Malaysia. Evelina Nesterenko, a Russian tourist, was captivated by the vibrant colours and atmosphere of the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves. The 24-year-old English teacher visited Malaysia for the first time and was curious about its cultural diversity.

German tourist Lena Koetter appreciated the warmth of the locals and the sense of joy from the celebrations. Indian-origin Bhanuprakash found the rituals familiar but enjoyed the open-house tradition. In Gua Musang, the temple was located at the foot of a limestone hill, giving the celebrations an intimate feel. Over 100 visitors, including devotees from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and foreign workers, attended the temple.

For devotee P Jegan, this was a continuation of a tradition started by his late father. The limestone setting provided a unique backdrop for the festivities. The shared experience of Deepavali, whether at Batu Caves or the more secluded temple in Gua Musang, offered devotees a reason to gather, return, and reconnect with their community and culture.