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Deepavali is celebrated in Malaysia by Hindus of Indian origin. It is the
festival of lights which symbolise the triumph of the good over the evil. It
usually falls in November yearly.
Hindus celebrate Deepavali with all the traditional customs. Weeks before
the festival, Hindus start preparing their homes and clean them up for the
festival. New curtains are put up and old furniture replaced. Traditional
cakes, sweetmeats, biscuits and a variety of special
eats are prepared by the womenfolk. New clothes are purchased
for the family and everyone is gay and excited.
Numerous lights are placed outside the home at the entrance, and it is a
beautiful sight to behold in the dark. Early on Deepavali morning, Hindus
start the day with a bath and put on fresh, new clothes. Girls put on new
frocks or skirts and blouses while the
boys show off their new shirts and pants. The elder folk visit the temple to
offer prayers to God for his mercies and blessings on the family. They then
return home to have a grand breakfast with curry, Indian pancakes, and hot
coffee or tea. This is followed by sweets and delicacies which are laid
attractively on the table.
Soon, guests start coming and the 'open house' has become very much a
feature of the Malaysian way of life, a symbol of the warm hospitality of
its people. The day ends with children playing happily with fireworks in the
garden. |
