KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — Temples across the country glowed with lamps and chants early this morning as Hindus nationwide ushered in Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, with prayers, rituals and gatherings that celebrated faith, family and the triumph of good over evil.
The joyous occasion was marked by homes adorned with colourful kolams and flickering oil lamps, as Malaysians of all backgrounds joined in the festive cheer, a reflection of the nation’s unity in diversity.
A Bernama visit to the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves found thousands of devotees gathering as early as 6am to perform prayers, bringing offerings of fruits and flowers to the deities in a gesture of thanksgiving.
For devotee K. Monissha, 26, from Subang Jaya, this year’s Deepavali holds special meaning as it is her first celebration with her husband after getting married last December.
Hindu devotees perform at the Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple in Seremban, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic
“I usually come to this temple during Thaipusam, but this year we chose to come for Deepavali as well because the atmosphere is livelier, and more family members can join. This is my first Deepavali as a wife,” she said, accompanied by 10 family members.
Monissha, a procurement executive, said that according to Indian tradition, the first Deepavali after marriage is celebrated at the bride’s family home, complete with festive dishes, the giving of saris and cash gifts to family members.
Another devotee, M. Mathesha, 26, a human resource executive from Selayang, expressed her gratitude for being able to celebrate Deepavali with all her siblings this year after several years of being tied down by work commitments.
A woman visits the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple in Butterworth, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic
“This year, all five of us siblings managed to gather. After prayers, we’ll have a meal together. Last night we cooked mutton curry, chicken sambal and fried rice. I hope this Deepavali brings blessings and strengthens our family bond,” she said.
Besides local Hindu devotees, foreign tourists also took the opportunity to witness the festive atmosphere at the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple, which was packed with thousands of worshippers from early morning.
Indonesian tourist Natasya Praskila, 22, from Medan, said this was her first time experiencing the Festival of Lights in Malaysia. She chose Batu Caves after discovering it online, and was amazed by the colourful stalls selling sweets, flowers and cultural performances.
Devotees at the Arulmigu Karumariamman in Butterworth, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic
In Kedah, private sector employee S. Hemananthini, 32, was up as early as 6am to prepare special dishes before heading to the Sri Siva Muniswarar Alayam Temple in Kulim to perform her prayers.
“After prayers, my family and I have breakfast together. Usually, I’ll spend the morning with my family first, and friends will visit in the afternoon,” she said.
For N. Darsyini, 41, met at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple in Alor Setar, this year’s Deepavali celebration was extra special as her four siblings, who live outside Kedah, returned to celebrate the festival at her home in Taman Bersatu instead of their hometown in Negeri Sembilan.
Pushalini James takes a selfie with her family members at the Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple in Seremban, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic
Meanwhile, in Selangor, accountant R. Visalini, 26, said she hopes this year’s Festival of Lights brings happiness to all devotees, as she looks forward to enjoying her mother’s cooking and visiting family members.
“For Deepavali, we usually have tosai, idiyappam, and idli served with chicken and mutton curry, and there are also sweets like laddu,” she said.
In Kelantan, although Hindus form a minority in the state, the celebration was still filled with joy.
N. Sundramoorthi (right) poses for a photo with his family at the Sri Maahamariaman Devasthanam Temple in Section 7, Shah Alam, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic
For R. Sriraam, 22, a Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) student from Batu Kawan, Penang, celebrating Deepavali for the first time in Kelantan was a meaningful experience.
“I’m grateful to celebrate Deepavali with my mother, P. Meenachee, 52, and father, C. Ramayah, 57, who travelled from Penang yesterday. We began the day with an oil bath at 6.30am before heading to the temple for prayers,” he said when met at the Arulmigu Subramaniyar Alayam Temple in Kota Bharu.
M. Kanikum, 79, from Wakaf Bharu in Tumpat, meanwhile, was delighted to have all her children and grandchildren home for the celebration, as well as to receive guests of various races.
S. Dinesh, 33 (third from left) and his family at the Sri Maahamariaman Devasthanam Temple in Section 7, Shah Alam, October 20, 2025. — Bernama pic
In Terengganu, despite the Indian community being a minority, the festive spirit was still felt, with the Sri Kailasa Nathar Alayam Temple in Kuala Terengganu serving as the main venue for religious rituals.
In Negeri Sembilan, the state’s oldest temple, Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Temple on Jalan Yam Tuan, Seremban, drew about 5,000 Hindu devotees from as early as 7am. — Bernama
