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Deep in the Depths of Deepavali

By Anonymous
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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