Hindus to celebrate Deepavali on Sunday

KUALA LUMPUR: Hindus across the country will celebrate Deepavali on Nov 8 with traditional prayers, religious rituals and family gatherings marking the Festival of Lights.

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Hindu calendar, symbolising the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

The lighting of oil lamps, or agal vilakku, is among the festival's key traditions, representing the removal of darkness and the welcoming of hope, positivity and prosperity.

Malaysia Hindhudharma Maamandram President Rishi Kumar Vadivelu said Deepavali also serves as a reminder for devotees to overcome negative traits such as arrogance, jealousy and ego.

He said the word Deepavali originated from the Tamil words Deepam, meaning oil lamp, and Avali, meaning a row or arrangement of lamps.

Preparations traditionally begin on the eve of Deepavali on Nov 7 when families perform prayers to honour their clan deity (Kula Deivam) and seek blessings.

"On Deepavali morning, families observe the traditional Ganga Snanam ritual, which involves applying sesame oil to the head before bathing, a practice believed to bring spiritual blessings," he told Bernama.

After the ritual, family members wear new clothes, seek blessings from parents and elders, offer prayers and visit temples before returning home to enjoy traditional meals and sweets with family and friends.

Homes are also decorated with oil lamps and colourful kolam designs, while families prepare various festive delicacies to share with visitors.

Meanwhile, Malaysia Hindu Sangam National President Thanga Ganesan said Deepavali was an important occasion to strengthen family ties and preserve cultural and religious traditions for future generations.

He encouraged Malaysians to share the joy of the celebration with friends from other communities through open house invitations and gatherings.

"In our multiracial Malaysia, let us share the joy of Deepavali with our Malay, Chinese and other friends from diverse communities. Through mutual respect, understanding and unity, we can further strengthen the harmony that makes our nation unique," he said.

Meanwhile, MIC vice-president and former deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk T. Murugiah in his Deepavali greetings called on the Indian community to use the festival as an opportunity to strengthen family relationships, promote unity and extend assistance to the less fortunate.

He also urged the government to give greater attention to the welfare, education, employment opportunities and economic development of the Indian community, particularly families in the B40 income group.

Murugiah said the spirit of Deepavali should go beyond festive celebrations and inspire Malaysians to practise kindness, compassion and mutual respect while strengthening harmony in the country's multiracial society.