{
  "id": 18585419,
  "title": "Deepavali or Diwali? The story behind the two names of the Festival of Lights",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/deepavali-or-diwali-the-story-behind-the-two-names-of-the-festival-of",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-06T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/07/deepavali-or-diwali-the-story-behind-the-two-names-of-the-festival-of-lights/240240"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — The Festival of Lights, celebrated as Deepavali in Malaysia, presents a linguistic conundrum: is it Deepavali or Diwali? Despite the confusion, there is only one correct name for the festival — Deepavali. The name originates from the Sanskrit term Dipavali, signifying a row of lights, with dipa meaning lamp and avali denoting a row or line. This term is recognized in Malaysia's Holidays Act 1951. While both names encompass the same festival, their usage varies between South and North Indian traditions.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 — As Malaysians prepare to celebrate Deepavali tomorrow, a linguistic debate about the Festiva...",
  "key_points": [
    "The Festival of Lights is celebrated as Deepavali in Malaysia.",
    "Deepavali originates from the Sanskrit term Dipavali.",
    "The name Deepavali signifies a row of lights in Malaysia."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}