Malaysians Mark Deepavali With Prayers, Reunions and Open Houses

Hindus across Malaysia celebrated Deepavali on Sunday (Nov 8) with prayers, temple visits, family reunions and gatherings with friends and neighbours, Bernama reported.

At Batu Caves in Selangor, the grounds of the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple were already busy early in the morning. Visitor Vishnu, 36, who came with his wife and two children, said visiting the temple had been a family tradition since his childhood, and that it was heartening to see tourists and Malaysians of different races joining in.

Thousands Throng Temples Across the States

In Perak, about 10,000 Hindus gathered at the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple at Gunung Cheroh, Ipoh, from 6.30am.

In Johor Bahru, the 115-year-old Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple welcomed about 2,500 devotees, including foreign workers from India and Nepal. Temple treasurer Murali Sami said foreign tourists, especially from Western countries and China, also visited.

In Penang, the Muniswarar Temple on Jalan Baru and the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple in Seberang Jaya drew crowds from early morning, while the Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Temple in Seremban held two prayer sessions, in the morning and afternoon, to avoid overcrowding.

In Kangar, the Arulmigu Arumugaswamy Dhevasthanam Temple opened to devotees from 7am. Temple chairman Datuk Dr R. Hari Ram said more than 200 devotees were expected, and the temple also gave food to residents of an old folks’ home.

Reunions and Open Houses for Neighbours

In Anak Bukit, Kedah, R. Nandran, 43, said his family could celebrate without worrying about floods, unlike last year. His family hosted an open house with halal dishes such as mutton curry, thosai and briyani for their Malay and Chinese neighbours.

In Seberang Jaya, housewife R. Dewi, 68, said Deepavali helped strengthen family ties and was a chance to catch up with neighbours of other races. In Kuantan, R. Palamal, 65, hosted more than 30 relatives from around the country after prayers at the Sri Mariamman Temple.

S. Khulanasari, 36, from Penang, returned to Kuala Kedah to celebrate with her parents after work had kept her away for two years.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said in a Facebook post that the celebration brought the state’s communities closer, and that the state would continue to look after the welfare of the Indian community.

PM Joins Nearly 3,000 Guests at MIC-MIED Open House

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the Deepavali open house organised by MIC and the Maju Institute of Educational Development (MIED) at Mansion Oncidium Hall in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, Bernama reported. The event drew nearly 3,000 guests from various ethnic backgrounds.

Anwar was welcomed by MIC president and MIED chairman Tan Sri SA Vigneswaran, and dined with political leaders including former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

“This proves that celebrations like this are a clear platform for integration among the races,” Vigneswaran said.

Wee said the event reflected the unique diversity of Malaysians in a spirit of goodwill, which he said must be preserved for the country’s prosperity. Vigneswaran, Wee and Anwar cut a cake, the highlight of this year’s open house.

Sources: Bernama, Malay Mail

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