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The vibrant Deepavali Festival is an important event for Hindus around the world. Just as in Hindu communities the world over, the Hindus of Malaysia celebrate this occasion with great joy and festivity. Deepavali is the Festival of Light, a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Accordingly at this joyous occasion a multitude of oil lamps are lit to dispel evil and darkness. The event falls on the final day of the final month of the traditional lunar based calendar.
The origins of the festival are steeped in myth and legend and several explanations are given for the event. In Malaysia most Hindus consider the festival to commemorate the slaying of the demon Narakasura by the might of Lord Krishna. The festive mood commences a month earlier, with the preparation of delicious Indian sweetmeats like the ommapadi, murukku, chippi and others. Everything in the home must be clean and fresh, with new clothes for everyone in the family. On the eve of Deepavali prayers and offerings are made to revered ancestors and deceased members of the family. After this rite the women busy themselves in the kitchen while the others tidy the house so as to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
On the day of the festival Hindus rise before the break of dawn, apply oil on their heads and take a bath. This is considered to cleanse the person from the impurities of the year that has passed. After prayers at the home altar, the family members obtain blessings from their elders.
Following these customs guests will start to arrive at the home, and halal food is cooked so that it can be savoured by Muslim Malays. People of all ethnicities visit their Hindu friends to take part in this joyous event. Children are especially happy as they receive yellow packets containing money. With all of these festive traditions Deepavali is truly a splendid festival for Hindus and their friends alike.
If you are visiting Malaysia during this time, select a Langkawi beach resort or a 5 star hotel in Langkawi to stay during this spectacle. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa with its soothing ambience would be a good choice in terms of luxury getaways in the area.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+