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<\/em><\/p>\nWhat is Deepavali & The Meaning Behind It<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Rangoli](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/GettyImages-183632979-2.jpg\")
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Deepavali commemorates Lord Rama and his wife Sita\u2019s return to Ayodhya, an ancient city of India, after a 14-year exile. Because it was a dark night when they returned, people lit up their houses with small lamps called diyas<\/em> so that Lord Rama and Sita would be able to find their way.<\/p>\nThe practice gave rise to the name \u2018Festival of Lights\u2019<\/strong>. Hindus also celebrate Deepavali in honour of the goddess of wealth, Mother Lakshmi, and the lighting of their diyas<\/em> serves to make it easy for Mother Lakshmi to find her way to their homes.<\/p>\nVictory of Light over Darkness<\/h4>\n
Spiritually, Deepavali signifies the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil, the light here referring to not just a physical lamp but an \u2018inner light\u2019 as well. In today\u2019s context, while the festival\u2019s traditions and spiritual beliefs remain just as relevant as ever, there is an added dimension to the celebration.<\/p>\n
The Times of India<\/em> put it this way: \u201cWhat the Festival of Lights really stands for today is a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple and some not-so-simple joys of life.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Deepavali Celebrations\u00a0in Malaysia<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Traditionally, festival preparations and rituals take place over a five-day period, with Deepavali being celebrated on the third day. The day coincides with the darkest new moon night of the Hindu calendar month Kartika, which is also the Hindu New Year.<\/p>\n
![\"Deepavali](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/GettyImages-532070213-2.jpg\")
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Oil Bath<\/h4>\n
Having cleaned their homes prior to the day, on the morning of Deepavali, Hindus typically rise early for a ritual oil bath called ganga-snanam<\/em>, which symbolises the cleansing of their body and soul of past sins and impurities. After that, dressed in their best clothes or new outfits, they conduct prayers at the family altar, with some Hindus also going to their temples for special ceremonies and worship.<\/p>\nLadu<\/h4>\n
In Malaysia, the rest of the day is celebrated much like many of our other festivals \u2013 in the company of family and friends, with good food (traditional Indian dishes and sweets such as ladu<\/em>, ommapodi<\/em> and murukku<\/em> are a must), the exchange of gifts and often fireworks.<\/p>\nKolam<\/h4>\n
Beautifully intricate and vibrant pictures created out of coloured rice, called kolam<\/em>, are also widely seen, particularly in shopping centres, hotels and homes.<\/p>\nDeepavali in Little India<\/h4>\n
A\u00a0visit to Little India is a great way to get a feel for the festivities.\u00a0There are two main areas: Brickfields and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in\u00a0Kuala Lumpur. But Deepavali is largely a family affair, celebrated at home with extended family getting together.<\/p>\n
Open House<\/h4>\n
The uniquely Malaysian practice of \u2018open house\u2019 \u2013 where neighbours and friends, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, are invited to join in the celebrations \u2013 are a common and much anticipated part of the day\u2019s festivities. Children are sometimes given purple or yellow packets that contain money, not unlike the Chinese New Year tradition of red packets.<\/p>\n
![\"Deepavali](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/GettyImages-157858514-800x533-3.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nDeepavali in Other Parts of the World<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Deepavali in Singapore<\/strong><\/h3>\nCompared to neighbouring Malaysia, Deepavali celebrations in\u00a0Singapore<\/a> are more understated and are mostly family affairs, although Little India is especially vibrant and colourful during this time. If you happen to be in Singapore during Deepavali this year, be sure to check out the Deepavali Festival Village, a bustling bazaar that promises everything from knick-knacks to traditional Indian delicacies.<\/p>\nIf you can get past the crowd, buy a saree or kurta from one of the textile shops. Tekka Market has several stalls on the second floor which can be slightly cheaper than the stores. They have lots of beautiful fabrics to choose from and even some ready made ones.<\/p>\n
Diwali in India<\/strong><\/h3>\nIn\u00a0India<\/a>, Deepavali is celebrated for five joyous, light-filled days. In addition to cleaning and decorating their homes, wearing new clothes, offering prayers and presenting loved ones with sweets and gifts, many also believe in doing charity by distributing food and essential items to the poor.<\/p>\nFireworks are an important component of the festivities, as their sound is seen as a way of conveying joy and happiness to God, who the people believe will hear the echoes from the heavens. And while Deepavali is celebrated by all Hindus, the names of the five days as well as the festival\u2019s various rituals can vary significantly among the people, depending on which part of India they\u2019re from.<\/p>\n
Deepavali in England<\/strong><\/h3>\nIn England, where Indians make up the second largest ethnic minority, Deepavali is widely celebrated among the Hindus, both in their homes and with the community at large. The biggest public celebrations are usually held in Leicester and\u00a0London<\/a>, with often thousands of people turning up to experience the fireworks, street art and live entertainment.<\/p>\n![\"Floating](\"https:\/\/www.expedia.com.my\/stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/GettyImages-109943274-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Deepavali in Indonesia<\/strong><\/h3>\nAs the only part of Indonesia where Hinduism is widely practised,\u00a0Bali<\/a> celebrates Deepavali the best way it knows how \u2013 with lots of parties! Lights, floating lanterns and fireworks are all part of the celebrations, while the island\u2019s ancient temples see even more visitors and devotees from all over the region.<\/p>\nDeepavali in Japan<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nThe practice gave rise to the name \u2018Festival of Lights\u2019<\/strong>. Hindus also celebrate Deepavali in honour of the goddess of wealth, Mother Lakshmi, and the lighting of their diyas<\/em> serves to make it easy for Mother Lakshmi to find her way to their homes.<\/p>\n Spiritually, Deepavali signifies the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil, the light here referring to not just a physical lamp but an \u2018inner light\u2019 as well. In today\u2019s context, while the festival\u2019s traditions and spiritual beliefs remain just as relevant as ever, there is an added dimension to the celebration.<\/p>\n The Times of India<\/em> put it this way: \u201cWhat the Festival of Lights really stands for today is a reaffirmation of hope, a renewed commitment to friendship and goodwill, and a religiously sanctioned celebration of the simple and some not-so-simple joys of life.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Traditionally, festival preparations and rituals take place over a five-day period, with Deepavali being celebrated on the third day. The day coincides with the darkest new moon night of the Hindu calendar month Kartika, which is also the Hindu New Year.<\/p>\n Having cleaned their homes prior to the day, on the morning of Deepavali, Hindus typically rise early for a ritual oil bath called ganga-snanam<\/em>, which symbolises the cleansing of their body and soul of past sins and impurities. After that, dressed in their best clothes or new outfits, they conduct prayers at the family altar, with some Hindus also going to their temples for special ceremonies and worship.<\/p>\n In Malaysia, the rest of the day is celebrated much like many of our other festivals \u2013 in the company of family and friends, with good food (traditional Indian dishes and sweets such as ladu<\/em>, ommapodi<\/em> and murukku<\/em> are a must), the exchange of gifts and often fireworks.<\/p>\n Beautifully intricate and vibrant pictures created out of coloured rice, called kolam<\/em>, are also widely seen, particularly in shopping centres, hotels and homes.<\/p>\n A\u00a0visit to Little India is a great way to get a feel for the festivities.\u00a0There are two main areas: Brickfields and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman in\u00a0Kuala Lumpur. But Deepavali is largely a family affair, celebrated at home with extended family getting together.<\/p>\n The uniquely Malaysian practice of \u2018open house\u2019 \u2013 where neighbours and friends, regardless of their religion or ethnicity, are invited to join in the celebrations \u2013 are a common and much anticipated part of the day\u2019s festivities. Children are sometimes given purple or yellow packets that contain money, not unlike the Chinese New Year tradition of red packets.<\/p>\n Compared to neighbouring Malaysia, Deepavali celebrations in\u00a0Singapore<\/a> are more understated and are mostly family affairs, although Little India is especially vibrant and colourful during this time. If you happen to be in Singapore during Deepavali this year, be sure to check out the Deepavali Festival Village, a bustling bazaar that promises everything from knick-knacks to traditional Indian delicacies.<\/p>\n If you can get past the crowd, buy a saree or kurta from one of the textile shops. Tekka Market has several stalls on the second floor which can be slightly cheaper than the stores. They have lots of beautiful fabrics to choose from and even some ready made ones.<\/p>\n In\u00a0India<\/a>, Deepavali is celebrated for five joyous, light-filled days. In addition to cleaning and decorating their homes, wearing new clothes, offering prayers and presenting loved ones with sweets and gifts, many also believe in doing charity by distributing food and essential items to the poor.<\/p>\n Fireworks are an important component of the festivities, as their sound is seen as a way of conveying joy and happiness to God, who the people believe will hear the echoes from the heavens. And while Deepavali is celebrated by all Hindus, the names of the five days as well as the festival\u2019s various rituals can vary significantly among the people, depending on which part of India they\u2019re from.<\/p>\n In England, where Indians make up the second largest ethnic minority, Deepavali is widely celebrated among the Hindus, both in their homes and with the community at large. The biggest public celebrations are usually held in Leicester and\u00a0London<\/a>, with often thousands of people turning up to experience the fireworks, street art and live entertainment.<\/p>\n As the only part of Indonesia where Hinduism is widely practised,\u00a0Bali<\/a> celebrates Deepavali the best way it knows how \u2013 with lots of parties! Lights, floating lanterns and fireworks are all part of the celebrations, while the island\u2019s ancient temples see even more visitors and devotees from all over the region.<\/p>\nVictory of Light over Darkness<\/h4>\n
Deepavali Celebrations\u00a0in Malaysia<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nOil Bath<\/h4>\n
Ladu<\/h4>\n
Kolam<\/h4>\n
Deepavali in Little India<\/h4>\n
Open House<\/h4>\n
<\/h2>\nDeepavali in Other Parts of the World<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nDeepavali in Singapore<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Diwali in India<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Deepavali in England<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nDeepavali in Indonesia<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Deepavali in Japan<\/strong><\/h3>\n