Brian Hiew
Hindu-practicing Malaysians filled the
streetways of Little India to participate in Deepavali, also known as The Festival
of Lights on November 11, 2015. As the month of November swept in, the streets
of Penang, Malaysia began to congest and light up. People set up stations along
the sidewalks and filled the roads with color. What was the sudden change? The
season of Deepavali had officially began.
Deepavali is a Hindu
festival celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama, a prominent Hindu
God; in addition, it is said that Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and
prosperity, will enter buildings decorated with diyas to bless the homes and
families. Such tradition has been practiced globally for hundreds of years in
numerous Hindu communities.
As the evening slowly
appeared around 5-6pm, a multitude of Indians gathered in Little India to
witness the “brightest festival of the year.” Hundreds of houses, stalls, and
especially temples are heavily lit with diyas (small oil lamps) and strings of
miniscule, multi-colored lights. The lights symbolize victory over darkness and good over evil.
“Deepavali is like New Year’s Eve, it’s
a brand new start for all of us,” said Neehar Kantimathi (11), whose family is
a participant of the Festival of Lights.
In the Dalat
community, many of the national staff, including students, took a day off to
enjoy their holiday with family and friends. Sounds of joy and laughter echoed
the streets of Little India as families spent time with one another feasting
upon a wide selection of various traditional Indian dishes and sweets, and
played with sparkle sticks. After eating, families exited their homes to enjoy
a brilliant, vibrant, and magnificent display of fireworks. Why fireworks? “Not
only to celebrate the return of Rama, but also to scare off evil demons and
spirits,” said Kantimathi.
As the end of Deepavali approached,
families returned to the comfort of their homes as they celebrated a new
beginning.
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