‘So beautiful, so colourful’: Vibrant Deepavali celebrations at Batu Caves captivate foreign tourists

Hindu devotees gather for religious rites in conjunction with Deepavali at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, Batu Caves November 8, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 08 Nov 2026 3:04 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR — The vibrant colours and festive joy of Deepavali at the iconic Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves here, captivated international tourists and expatriates alike, offering them an uplifting glimpse into Malaysia’s harmonious multicultural fabric.

Russian tourist Evelina Nesterenko, 24, described her maiden visit to the renowned landmark as a truly awe-inspiring experience, especially when taking in the kaleidoscope of colours and festive cheer.

“Yeah, it’s really impressive. It’s so beautiful. It’s so colourful and I just want to go and look at everything and see with my eyes,” she told Bernama.

Nesterenko, an English language teacher based in Vietnam, said her holiday to Malaysia was inspired by glowing recommendations from friends, alongside her personal fascination with the nation’s cultural diversity.

Hindu devotees gather for religious rites in conjunction with Deepavali at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, Batu Caves November 8, 2026. — Bernama pic

“Russia is also very multinational and we have lots of festivals about different cultures. So, it’s really nice that there is a place for everyone and that people are interested in different national festivals,” she added.

For German tourist, Lena Koetter the genuine warmth of Malaysians and the lively festive atmosphere have been among the brightest highlights of her travels across the country.

“Yesterday I also saw fireworks and today I saw many people celebrating, are happy coming together and yeah, I think that’s very cool to have a place to come together,” she said.

Having spent a fortnight in Malaysia, Koetter expressed heartfelt admiration for the friendliness and generosity shown by the locals, noting that the country offers a comforting sense of peace and unity.

“I really like the people here, so the people are so kind and if you look at the whole world right now and different difficult situations you don’t really get it if you’re here because all people are so kind and friendly and yeah, it’s very nice to be here,” she remarked.

Hindu devotees light the Kuthuvilakku, or Vilakku, as they perform religious rites in conjunction with Deepavali at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, Batu Caves November 8, 2026. — Bernama pic

Meanwhile, Bhanuprakash, a bank officer from India who has lived and worked in Malaysia for nearly a year, shared that the vibrant atmosphere at Batu Caves brought back fond memories of home.

Visiting the temple with a group of friends from India, he observed that while traditional prayers and rituals shared strong parallels with those in his homeland, Malaysia’s beloved tradition of the “open house” was a delightful and welcome discovery.

“Normally, Diwali for us is like celebrating at your place. Not open house. We don’t go to parties. Diwali is like at your place and with your family,” he said, praising the Malaysian spirit of welcoming neighbours and friends from all walks of life to share festive meals.

Batu Caves is most renowned for its large statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity, which stands at 42.7 meters tall and is the tallest statue of a Hindu god in Malaysia. — Bernama

Hindu devotees perform religious rites in conjunction with Deepavali at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, Batu Caves November 8, 2026. — Bernama pic