Deepavali (also known as Diwali in many other countries) is a widely celebrated festival in Indian communities around the world, such as the Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and the Nepalese Newar Buddhists. It is a joyous festival of lights, where families unite on the darkest night of the year to light candles, set off fireworks, and give gifts. They celebrate the victory of good over evil, as they mark different historical events and stories.

Although the main practice relates to Rama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and Sita (an incarnation of his consort Lakshmi), in South India it is sometimes associated with the divine pair of Shiva-Shakti. According to the Skanda Purana, the Goddess Shakti observed austerity for 21 days, starting from the eighth day of the waxing period of the moon (the ashtami of shukla paksha) to get half of the body of Lord Shiva. This vow of austerity is known as kedhara vrata.

Goddess Shakti is worshiped in many forms, most commonly the Nava Durga, or the Nine Durgas. Click to enlarge.

Deepavali marks the final day of this austerity, also known as kedhara gauri vrata, to mark the day Lord Shiva accepted Shakti into the left half of his form and appeared as Ardhanarishvara. Ardent devotees observe this 21-day vrata by making a kalasha with 21 threads on it, and give 21 types of offerings for 35 days.

The Goddess Shakti is also known as Amma (meaning ‘mother’) in south India, especially in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, which explains why some Indians in Malaysia relate Deepavali to the Goddess Shakti. Many villagers believe Shakti to be a protector, a punisher of evil people, a curer of diseases, and the one who gives welfare to the village.

Background

The origins of Deepavali began in the kingdom of Ayodhya, where the wise and powerful King Dasharatha lived with his three beautiful and intelligent wives, Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. The King had no sons to inherit his kingdom, and together with his wives, they prayed fervently to the gods.

King Dasharatha accepting rice pudding from Agni, the god of fire. Click to enlarge.

Their prayers were answered when the divine fire god Agni arose from the sacrificial flames holding a bowl of rice pudding (known as payasam in Tamil or kheer in Hindi). Agni told the king and his queens that the gods were pleased with their sacrifice, and that Vishnu himself had decided to be born on earth as their son. The queens had to divide the rice pudding between them, and in time, divine children would be born to them.

As King Dasharatha began to divide the rice pudding between his three wives, a crow swooped down and took Sumitra’s portion before she could eat it. In response, Kaushalya and Kaikeyi immediately shared their portions with Sumitra.

In time, Rama was born to Queen Kaushalya, Bharata to Queen Kaikeyi, and the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna to Queen Sumitra. Queen Sumitra had twins because she had eaten two portions of the rice pudding. These four sons were god-given, embodiments of the great Lord Vishnu, and hence possessed beauty, power, and skill. But among the four sons, Prince Rama was the bravest, wisest, and most handsome.

Lord Vishnu and his divine consort, the goddess Lakshmi. Click to enlarge.

On the day the four princes reached manhood, King Dasharatha decreed the kingdom to his eldest son Rama, to the joy of all his people except one person, Manthara. She was the hunchback servant of Queen Kaikeyi, mother to Bharatha. Manthara poisoned Queen Kaikeyi’s mind against Rama with lies, telling her that when Rama became king, he would turn against her son Bharatha and send him to exile. Manthara convinced Queen Kaikeyi to go to the king and demand that her son Bharatha be made king and to have Rama banished from the kingdom.

The king was heartbroken, but agreed because he had made a vow to Queen Kaikeyi years ago, to grant her anything she wished. Although everyone had sworn allegiance to Rama, he, his wife Sita, and his younger brother Lakshmana obediently left Ayodhya for life in the jungle. Bharata was shocked at his mother’s actions. He asked Rama for a pair of his sandals, and placed them on the throne, telling Rama that he would rule the kingdom in Rama’s name until he returned. The pair of sandals on the throne therefore became a symbol of Rama’s rule.

Left to right: Lakshmana, Sita, and Lord Rama entering exile in the jungle. Click to enlarge.

In the faraway island of Lanka, there lived a cruel and powerful demon king called Ravana, who had ten heads and twenty arms, and travelled through the air on a chariot pulled by man-eating mules with sharp teeth. Evil Ravana would send out his demons to torment the wise peoples of the world, to disrupt their offerings to the gods, and to make the lives of ordinary folk miserable.

When Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana arrived in this part of the world, the people greeted them joyously, and asked the princes to protect them from Ravana’s demons. And so, Rama and Lakshmana took up their weapons to fight the demonic hordes, and protected the wise men and women. The demons returned to Ravana, and reported that they had been defeated by Rama and Lakshmana.

Outraged, Ravana flew in his chariot to where the princes were living a simple life. When he saw the beautiful Sita, he decided to make her one of his wives in Lanka. He lured both Rama and Lakshmana away from the jungle hut, and then disguised himself as a harmless old man to ask for a drink from Sita. Before she could bring him a drink, Ravana scooped her up in his arms and took her to the remote island of Lanka.

Rama and Lakshmana were dismayed by Sita’s disappearance. They began searching for her, but were unsuccessful until they came across the vulture King Jetayu, lying wounded on the ground. Jetayu told them he had seen the demon king flying in his chariot, with a beautiful woman on board crying out for help. Jetayu had tried to help but was seriously wounded by Ravana.

The demon King Ravana abducting the goddess Sita

Rama and Lakshmana immediately went about searching for Ravana, and they came across Sugriva, the King of the Monkeys. Sugriva and all his monkeys were eager to help and they spread out in all directions to locate Sita. One of Sugriva’s followers was the powerful monkey Hanuman, who found Sita, and as soon she was discovered, Hanuman flew down and told her he was there with Rama and Lakshmana to rescue her.

Hanuman tricked Ravana and his demons, allowing them to capture and bind him with ropes. The demons set fire to Hanuman’s tail whereupon he broke his bonds and leapt from roof to roof, setting fire to all of Lanka. Hanuman then escaped and went back to tell Rama of his discovery. Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman and a multitude of fierce monkeys then marched towards the sea and built a bridge of rocks to cross over to Lanka to rescue Sita.

They fought Ravana for many days, overcoming many deceitful and cunning tricks that Ravana employed. Eventually, they defeated and killed him, and Rama and Sita were reunited to the loud cheers of Lakshmana, Sugriva, Hanuman, and all the monkey army. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana then bade a fond farewell to their monkey friends and headed back to the Kingdom of Ayodhya.

All along the way, joyful people lit lamps to celebrate their triumphant victory over Ravana. The people of Ayodhya were jubilant to have Rama and Sita back, and lit candles along the path of their return. The magnificent city of Ayodhya was ablaze with light as the four princes were reunited.

Lord Rama, the goddess Sita, and Lakshmana returning to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana

Rama and Sita ascended the throne and ruled wisely for many years. To this day, Deepavali is celebrated to mark the triumphant return of Rama and Sita and the victory of good over evil, truth over ignorance, and light over darkness. Hanuman later became one of Rama’s most faithful devotees, and one of the favourite deities in Hinduism. Special prayers and pujas dedicated to Lord Hanuman are performed a day before Deepavali in North India and Gujarat. This day is known as Narak Chaturdashi, Kali Chaudash, Roop Chaturdashi, or Chaudash.

In several regions, the day before Deepavali is also believed to be the birthday of Hanuman. Lord Rama himself proclaimed that people should always worship Hanuman before they worshipped him. As the easiest way to reach Lord Rama’s feet is through Hanuman, it is only natural that people perform Hanuman’s puja before Deepavali. It must be noted here that in the majority of regions, Hanuman’s birthday, known as Hanuman Jayanti, is observed on the full moon day in the month of Chaitra, i.e. March – April.

The monkey god Hanuman

On the day of Deepavali itself, special pujas and prayers are also performed to Lord Hanuman, during which sindhur (vermilion) and oil are offered to him. Hanuman is believed to give strength to fight evil spirits and inauspiciousness on this day.

Deepavali Celebrations in Malaysia

As with all religious festivals, Deepavali is a time for family reunions, and it is a national holiday in Malaysia. Those of the Hindu faith celebrate this festival with no expense spared. In the days leading up to Deepavali, there is lots of shopping to do for new clothes (saris), bangles, and festive decorations. There is also a lot of cooking, and families will restock their spices to make their favourite Deepavali snacks and meals in anticipation of friends who will visit and join in the festive celebrations. Little India is a popular shopping destination for these items.

Colourful paper lanterns and kolams, intricate floor designs made from coloured rice or coloured powder, are put up as decorations in homes. Diyas (oil lamps) are also lit to adorn every corner of the house on the auspicious day of Deepavali and add fervour to the festive spirit.

Kolams

A kolam, with its myriad designs, patterns and colours, is an expression of emotion, and is commonly drawn in front of homes to welcome guests. This expression need not necessarily be religious, and sometimes can even convey social concerns. It is this emotion, however, which breathes life into what would otherwise be an empty form with no meaning.

In bygone days, hens would peck at and squirrels would lick off the rice flour used to draw the kolams. Today, stone dust is used, which has the added benefit of keeping away tiny insects. With more and more people living in high-rise buildings, a sticker may also be used in its place.

The intricate patterns and designs that are kolams began early in history. Over the centuries, drawing kolams developed into a very sophisticated art form, but in recent years, it has begun to disappear. However, they can still be seen as part of religious practices at home, and are popular in shopping malls as floor designs. A few weeks before Deepavali, beautiful kolams can be seen in Pavilion KL, The Gardens Mall, and Suria KLCC.

Kolams

Clay Lamps

A diya, diyo, deya, divaa, deepa, deepam, or deepak is an oil lamp used in India and Nepal, usually made from clay, with a cotton wick dipped in ghee or vegetable oil. A diya emits light when the wick fuelled by oil burns, and temple diyas that are used to bless worshipers are referred to as aarti.

Clay diyas are often used as temporary lighting for special occasions, while diyas made from brass are permanent fixtures in homes and temples. Diyas originated from India and Nepal, and are often used in Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and Zoroastrian religious festivals, including Deepavali. A similar lamp called a butter lamp is used in Tibetan Buddhist offerings as well. In Tamil Nadu, diyas are called deepam, and are lit especially during the extended Deepavali or Karthikai Deepam.

The lit lamp is considered an auspicious symbol that wards off evil forces and ushers in prosperity and joy. These lights are kept on throughout the night, and homes are cleaned prior to the festival to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi, whom Hindus believe to be the consort of Lord Vishnu and the goddess of wealth.

However, there is even more symbolism to the diya. Most Hindu households light a diya once every morning and in the evening. It’s not just a customary practice but signifies the submission of one’s soul to the supreme power.

The oil in the diya represents the dirt (greed, jealousy, hatred, lust) that humans tend to accumulate over the course of their lives, while the cotton wick is symbolic of the aatman (self). So in order to attain enlightenment and unite with Brahman (the supreme power), one must be rid of materialism.

Moreover, a diya also symbolises knowledge. An ignorant person often remains in the dark and is unable to follow the events happening around him. It is only when he gains some knowledge that he can realise the purpose of his existence. And hence, a diya signifies the defeat of ignorance through knowledge by giving up material desires.

The following mantra in Sanskrit highlights the importance of jyoti (light) on the path one must adopt to attain inner peace:

Asato maa sad-gamaya (Lead us from Untruth to Truth)
Tamaso maa jyotir-gamaya (From Darkness to Light)
Mrityor-maa-mritan gamaya (From Death to Immortality)
OM shaanti shaanti shaanti (OM peace, peace peace)

So, a diya is not just a decorative item but reminds one and all to give up their materialistic desires and defeat their ignorance by gaining knowledge if they wish to merge with God.

Customary lighting of Diyas

Oil Baths

The abhyang snan (holy bath ritual) takes place on the first day of Deepavali, usually in the morning, to cleanse the body and soul. Since the abhyang snan is performed before sunrise, it is considered as holy as taking a bath in the river Ganges.

Such are the qualities of an abhyanga snan that some experts have suggested taking abhyang snan every day to receive its benefits, as it helps boost circulation, removes dead skin cells, softens and smoothens the skin, thoroughly cleanses the body, and calms the mind through its aromas.

The procedures of abhyang snan are as follows:

1. Wake before sunrise
2. Massage the entire body with a scented oil
3. Let the oil absorb into the skin for about half an hour
4. Apply uptan/utane/utnah (a paste of spices and gram flour) and thoroughly massage the body with this natural scrub before rinsing with water.
5. Have a regular bath using scented soap, typically fragranced with rose or sandalwood
6. Wear new clothes. Customarily, traditional clothes are worn such as saris, lehengas, churidar kurtas, and salwar kameez.

Oil bath

Visiting Temples

Having donned new attire bought days before the festival, Hindus will then perform their prayers at home or in temples.

In Kuala Lumpur, devotees go to temples such as the Sri Subramaniyar Temple in Batu Caves. Foreigners and tourists are also welcome to visit to join in the celebrations, as well as to savour the delicacies sold by traders at the premises. In Ipoh, they have their own ‘Little India’ township where the festive mood is vibrant with visitors and colourful Deepavali decorations.

In Penang, temples along Jalan Kebun Bunga are filled with the Deepavali spirit, with the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple being the focus of the festive celebrations. As most of the shops in Little India will be closed, many people, including tourists, take the opportunity to do some sightseeing at areas such as Lebuh Queen, Lebuh Chulia, and Jalan Pasar.

Following the prayers in the temple, devotees usually return home and open their houses for families and friends to visit and get together to share and bond and enjoy festive snacks and meals. Firecrackers are also lit in celebration and to scare off evil spirits.

Deepavali Food

Deepavali is a vibrant, colourful, joyous celebration expressed through colour, lights, and food. About a month before the festival, women get together in each other’s kitchens in turn to make Deepavali snacks, such as Indian sweetmeats, known as mithai.

Mithai are made from chickpea flour, rice flour, semolina, various beans, lentils and grains, squashes, carrots, mixed with thickened condensed milk or yoghurt. Cashew nuts, almonds, pistachios, sesame seeds, chirongi nuts, coconut, or raisins can be added, and the mithai can be deep-fried and fragranced with sweet spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fresh fenugreek leaves, or nutmeg before being further ornamented with saffron, rose or pandan leaf water, and edible silver or gold leaf.

There are many variations of mithai, such as the diamond-shaped ‘shakkarpara’, the noodle-like ‘sev’, and a range of sweet and savoury ‘puris’. Regional specialities, like ‘mawa kachori‘, ‘moti pak‘, and ‘sohan papdi’ require elaborate preparation, and mithai nowadays are available in low-fat, low-sugar, and baked versions. It is customary to exchange extravagantly decorated boxes of mithai, dried fruit, nuts, or silver serving dishes with family and friends.

Traditional Deepavali sweets

Traditionally, different speciality meals are cooked on different days of the festival, and these vary further depending on region. Generally speaking, puris, traditionally deep-fried in expensive ghee, replace flatbreads and are accompanied by different dhals, vegetable curries, fried titbits such as pakoras and a pudding on each day of the festival. Many Indians, though not all, continue their vegetarian practice this time of year.

The first day may see celebrators eat large-grain cracked wheat sautéed with ghee and sugar known as ‘lapsi’, which is very popular as it is associated with wealth. This may be accompanied by a curry made with yard-long beans which symbolise longevity due to their length.

The second day may see anarasa being served, a rice and jaggery dish associated with the elimination of evil spirits. A milky rice pudding, kheer or payasam, is also eaten alongside light, fluffy urad lentil pakoras.

More festive dishes from around the subcontinent include ‘galaka’, a curry of courgette-like squash; ‘ukkarai’, a steamed dish of split chickpea and mung bean batter; ‘sheera’, a fudgy sweet of semolina sautéed with raisins, cashew nuts, cardamom and saffron; steamed fine-grain cracked wheat porridge topped with ghee and sugar known as ‘kansar’; crumbly doughnuts called ‘balushahi’; and sweet flatbreads stuffed with mashed pigeon peas, saffron and cardamom called ‘poli’.

Women spend the entire day in the kitchen before Deepavali making the men’s favourite dishes and sweets, and are presented with lavish gifts in return.

Some dishes commonly served during Deepavali

Where to go in Kuala Lumpur

Most restaurants and shops in Kuala Lumpur will operate as usual during Deepavali, but Indian-owned businesses are usually closed during this time. There are two areas better known as Little India in Kuala Lumpur where one can visit to witness the Deepavali preparations and celebrations. One is located in the area called Brickfields, which lies within walking distance of KL Sentral (the main central train station of Kuala Lumpur). One just needs to follow the signs to the Monorail KL station.

Little India

Hindu temples such as Sri Kondaswamy Kovil Hindu Temple and Sri Mahamariamman Temple are excellent places for photo opportunities. As with any religious sites, one just has to make sure to dress appropriately (no shorts and sleeveless tops) and head there early in the morning, when the Hindus conduct prayers and ceremonial rites.

Sri Kondaswamy Kovil Hindu Temple

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

The other area is located along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, which is a short distance from the Masjid Jamek RapidKL metro station, or the Medan Tuanku Monorail station.

Shopping

One of the first things to do for Deepavali celebrators is to buy new clothes. The main shopping hubs for Indian garments are Masjid India in KL and Little India in Klang.

The Madras Store in Masjid India has been in operation for 30 years. Their affordable saris, textiles, and bangles are imported from India. Shivom is recommended for its textiles and vibrant Punjabi suits. Haniffa’s collection is smaller, but of superior quality. Prices of cotton and chiffon saris range from RM25 to the thousands for pure Kanchipuram silk saris. Lucky Noble is another popular stop. Prices there begin at RM120, due to the detailed beading and weaving.

Fifty minutes on the KTM from KL Sentral brings you to Little India in Klang. Known as Jalan Tengku Kelana, the place is a veritable treasure trove for everything you need. Gayathiri Silk Sarees Palace has gorgeous designs imported from India, and they give generous discounts. Next to the Indian Mosque, Ajuntha gets their saris and textiles straight from factories on the outskirts of India, which explains their cheap but high quality items. One can lose all sense of time in Chennai Silks, located a few steps away from the train station. Their huge range of textiles and ready-made items will most likely be enough to fulfil your mission. And most importantly, bargaining is allowed.

If you don’t have the time to get to the shops, Johor-based online shopping site Shobi G (www.facebook.com/sarees.shobig) offers free shipping within Malaysia plus reasonable refund and exchange policies. Also recommended is Indifashion (www.indifashion.my), where one can shop for the family at this Delhi-based online store. Even with shipping, items are still affordable.

• Ajuntha Textiles 20 Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang (03 3371 7571)
• Chennai Silks 1 Jalan Istana, Klang (03 3372 7272)
• Gowre Silk Saarees Palace 74 Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang (03 3373 6505)
• Haniffa 149 Jalan Masjid India, KL (03 2693 8620)
• Lucky Noble 1-16, first & second floor, Plaza City One, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, KL (03 2692 6855/www.seherish.com.my)
• Madras Store 100 Jalan Masjid India, KL (03 2693 0072)
• Mangala Theebam 245 Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields (03 2274 0360/www.mangalatheebam.com)
• Shivom Traders 14 Jalan Bunus Enam, Jalan Munshi Abdullah, KL (03 2693 1234)

Deepavali shopping

Décor

Shops specialising in Indian/Deepavali décor items are concentrated in Klang and Brickfields. Gayathri Silver Brass Cash & Carry is located in a small alley off Little India in Klang. The store offers a variety of prayer items, tiny clay lamps and incense powders, and everything else you need for prayers.

Although kolams are important, they are painstakingly time-consuming to create. Easy sticker kolams are a convenient alternative, at RM20 each at Sarojani. Alternatively, call in the specialists from Dass Kolam, where prices start from RM800.

Another good place to stock up on décor and prayer items is the Deepavali Carnival. Previously held at Brickfields, it has relocated to the more spacious Bukit Jalil. There are hundreds of vendors from India, Malaysia, and Pakistan hawking their wares and services. Visit on the last day for better discounts, but be prepared for bigger crowds.

• Dass Kolam (016 494 7674)
• Deepavali Carnival Car Park A, National Sports Complex, Bukit Jalil, KL (03 2278 5555)
• Gayathri Cash & Carry 1 Jalan Pulasan, off Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang (03 3373 8181)
• Sarojani 52 Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang (03 3371 9762)

Some traditional Deepavali decorative items

Mithai (Indian sweets)

In Brickfields, Jesal specialises in the fudge-like barfi, rasgulla and gulab jamun, while Sangheetha Café in Masjid Jamek touts their kaju katli, laddu and murukku as bestsellers. If you’re pressed for time, call their delivery service three days in advance. Little India’s confectionery store Richman’s Candy has prettily wrapped modern sweetmeats. Ask for tasters before you buy.

• Jesal Sweet House 84 Jalan Sambanthan, Brickfields (03 2274 6801/www.jesalsweethouse.com)
• Richman’s Candy 25 Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang (012 209 9473)
• Sangheeta Vegetarian Restaurant 40 Palace Hotel Plaza, Jalan Masjid India, KL (03 2694 4233)

Some varieties of mithai

Pampering

With outlets in Brickfields, Masjid India, Little India, and even Bangsar, the upscale beauty salon Vaani’s provides a wide range of beauty services. Sit back and get your mani-pedi, hair, threading, and detailed henna tattoos done before Deepavali. For a cheaper option, the henna girls outside the Mydin store at Masjid India do a roaring business.

• Vaani’s 233A, first floor, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields (03 2274 4644/www.vaanis.com).

Henna is popular for all major Indian festivals, especially during Deepavali

Deepavali Dates

• 2017: Thursday, October 19
• 2018: Wednesday, November 7
• 2019: Sunday, October 27
• 2020: Saturday, November 14

Sources:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F5tzMBHcFc
• http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/10/hanuman-and-diwali-worship-and-puja-of.html
• http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Capturing-the-intricacies-of-%E2%80%98kolam%E2%80%99/article14999956.ece
• http://sundaysatsang.blogspot.my/2014/10/importance-of-oil-bath-on-deepavali-and.html
• http://www.indiaparenting.com/indian-culture/70_1574/significance-of-holy-bath-during-diwali.html
• https://www.timeout.com/kuala-lumpur/things-to-do/guide-to-deepavali

For more interesting information:

• Thaipusam – The Festival of Lord Murugan
• Indians in Malaysia
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri
• Pilgrimage Through India & Nepal
• Emperor Ashoka the Great
• Must visit Bodhgaya – The Navel of the World
• Chinese New Year
• Chinese in Malaysia
• Baba and Nyonya
• Traditional Clothes of Malaysia
• Gawai Dayak – The Celebration of Bountiful Harvest
• Wesak Day In Malaysia
• Nine Emperor Gods Festival

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