Deepavali: Smaller scale, greater meaning

SHAH ALAM - Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, may not be as grand as other festivities such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Chinese New Year, but its observances have become more intimate, vibrant and meaningful in their own right.

Writer Imelda Priveta, 29, notes that due to Malaysia’s smaller Hindu Indian population, Deepavali is celebrated primarily through family gatherings and temple visits rather than large-scale events, fostering a close-knit and meaningful atmosphere.

She emphasises that despite the relatively smaller scale, Deepavali has always played an integral role in fostering community and inclusivity within Malaysia’s multicultural society, enabling Hindu Indians to celebrate as joyfully as others do for Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year.

"While celebrations are often more localised, areas with higher Indian populations, such as parts of Penang and Klang Valley, do see grander festivities," she said.

The limited Hindu Indian population also slightly affects the availability of Deepavali supplies, which are less widely accessible compared to other festive essentials, especially in areas with fewer Indian residents.

However, Imelda notes that items are generally available in areas with larger Indian communities.

"Besides clothes and diyas, essentials include kolam powder, Indian sweets like laddu, murukku, and gulab jamun, as well as various spices, ghee, and ingredients for preparing festive meals," she said.

Jasmine and marigold flowers are also popular for prayers and decoration.

"Supplies are not necessarily limited but it can feel that way depending on where you live," Imelda said.

Reflecting on how Deepavali celebrations have evolved over the past decade, Imelda remarked on the rise of ‘modern, fusion-style Deepavali celebrations.’

With the festival becoming more mainstream, non-Indians are increasingly participating, especially in urban centres.

She emphasised that social media plays a significant role in promoting and showcasing the cultural richness of Deepavali.

"While traditional elements remain, there's been a noticeable shift towards simplified and modern versions of rituals," she said, with a tendency towards social gatherings and parties alongside religious observance.

Regarding ways to further elevate Deepavali celebrations in Malaysia, Imelda hopes for more public initiatives, such as street decorations, community events, or markets that visibly celebrate the festival, especially since this year’s festivities overlap with Halloween.

She encourages greater involvement from the government and businesses in promoting inclusivity by recognising the festival through advertisements, promotions, and public events, similar to the support given to other major holidays.

"It would help make Deepavali feel more prominent on the national stage," she said.

For Deepavali shopping, her go-to destination is Little India in Brickfields, which she described as offering “the best selection” of festive treats.

Shops like Annalakshmi and Komala Vilas are highly recommended for their variety and reliable quality, which she says “keep the festive spirit alive.”

Discussing the tradition of gift-giving during Deepavali, Imelda explained that unlike Aidilfitri, which typically involves giving monetary gifts to younger family members, Deepavali gifts are usually sweets, fruits and small tokens like clothes.

“These gifts are about sharing joy, abundance, and love with family and friends, rather than wealth. The exchange symbolises wishing prosperity and happiness for loved ones in the coming year.

“All in all, the focus is more on strengthening bonds than on monetary value,” she concluded.