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Originating in India, the Deepavali Festival is a prominent celebration amongst the Hindu community in Malaysia. This colorful event is full of lights, prayers, and joyous gatherings that bring families and friends together. Let’s dive into the magic of the Festival of Lights in Malaysia with Asia King Travel now!
Deepavali, a colorful event of the Hindu community
Deepavali Festival, also known as Diwali, is one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. The festival got its name from the Sanskrit word dīpāvali, which means “row of lighted lamps”. Deepavali aims to celebrate the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
Deepavali Festival starts on the 13th day of the dark half of the lunar month Ashvina and often lasts for 5 days. The corresponding dates in the Gregorian calendar usually fall in late October or November. This year, the festival will take place on October 20, 2025.
The Festival of Lights is originally associated with different folklore. For those from South India, the Deepavali Festival represents the glorious victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura, whose death symbolized that the darkness was removed from the world.
For those from North India, the Deepavali Festival celebrates the return of Lord Rama after 14 years in exile. After his wife was kidnapped by the notorious multi-headed demon Ravana, Lord Rama managed to defeat the monster in a fierce fight and rescued his wife. On the day he and his wife returned, the locals lit up the street with oil lamps and firecrackers, creating a joyful scene.
In addition, the Deepavali Festival is also widely connected with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Ganesha, the god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles.
Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity in Hinduism
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If it's your first time attending the Deepavali Festival, this Malaysia travel guide will provide you with the most basic information for a smooth trip. The Deepavali Festival lasts for 5 days, and each day implies a different meaning:
The day honors both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari (the divine healer). The locals are dedicated to cleaning homes and purchasing small items of gold, silver, or utensils to invite prosperity and ward off misfortune. This creates an extremely vibrant atmosphere.
If you’re traveling in Malaysia when the festival of lights is taking place, visit a jewelry or handicraft market in the evening to watch the buzzing streets with shoppers and beautifully lit stalls. Carry small change in case you’d like to buy one.
Day 2 celebrates the mythological slaying of the demon Narakasura by Krishna, a symbol of light triumphing over darkness. You can wake early and join locals for the sunrise rituals, Abhyanga Snan. In many neighborhoods, homes are lit with diyas (small oil lamps) and decorations, offering a mesmerizing view of the festival in Malaysia.
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Diya, a type of oil lamp used in the festival
On this day, many businesses may close earlier or pause operations to allow employees to rejoin their families. Malaysian families will seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha to ensure their luck and prosperity.
You should find a rooftop or river-facing spot to watch fireworks and the entire neighborhood glowing in a million points of light. Some cities and temples even host special events that you can attend. However, be mindful of noise and possible crowded situations when going to such places.
The fourth day commemorates Krishna’s feat of lifting a mountain, Govardhan Hill, to protect villagers from Indra’s storms. It is also the first day of Karttika and the start of the new year in the Vikrama (Hindu) calendar.
Many households or temples make a symbolic “mountain” (Annakut) of food to offer to Krishna on this day. You should visit a temple to experience as many are open to visitors and may serve small portions of the offerings. Also, countryside villages often decorate cows and invite you to observe the rituals in a more immersive, quieter setting.
Special dishes are made to offer to Krishna
The Deepavali Festival concludes with Bhai Dooj to honor the loving bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti (ritual with a lamp) and apply a tilak (mark) on their brothers’ foreheads, praying for their long life and prosperity. Brothers, in turn, give gifts or sweets.
If you’re staying with a host family or in a guesthouse, consider asking if you can participate. It’s a simple but heartfelt ceremony, and locals will typically welcome gentle interest and respect.
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If you’re in Kuala Lumpur (or any major Malaysian city) during the festive time, shopping malls promise an apparent festive mood and colorful decorations. Malls like Pavilion KL, Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley Megamall, and The Gardens Mall are known to go all out with dazzling decorations, kolam (rangoli) displays, and special cultural performances during the Deepavali season. You can soak in the local festive spirit, watch dance or music shows, and pick up gifts or sweets.
Pavilion REIT Malls decor for Deepavali Festival
Temples in Malaysia play a central role during Deepavali, serving as spiritual anchors where devotees come together to pray, light lamps, and make offerings. The Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, for example, is especially busy during Deepavali, with many devotees queuing to enter, perform worship, and present offerings.
In temples across Malaysia, you’ll often see deities adorned with fresh flowers, lamps lit in long rows, and priests performing rituals throughout the day. Tourists can freely attend these events, but remember to dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the sanctum areas.
Brickfields, often called Little India, is one of the heartbeats of the Deepavali Festival in KL. Just a short walk from KL Sentral station, this district lights up during the festival season with colorful lanterns strung overhead, shopfronts selling saris, bangles, puja items, and streets busy with locals and visitors alike. Brickfields offers an immersive snapshot of Malaysian culture, where you’ll experience music, authentic cuisines, and the warm hospitality of the locals.
Batu Caves is perhaps the most iconic Deepavali destination in Malaysia. Located about 11 km north of Kuala Lumpur, it houses a cave temple complex dedicated to Lord Murugan. On Deepavali day, many devotees and visitors make a pilgrimage there. Rituals typically begin early in the morning (around 7 am) and continue through the evening, with pujas, lamp lighting, flower offerings, and chanting.
Batu Caves is the most iconic Deepavali destination in Malaysia
Deepavali Festival in Malaysia is a celebration of light, unity, and cultural diversity. Whether you’re wandering through glittering shopping malls or experiencing the spiritual energy at religious sanctuaries, it’s an opportunity to witness rich Hindu customs and to be warmly included in Malaysia’s multicultural spirit of sharing. If you’re a culture explorer, contact Asia King Travel now to discover more about Malaysian culture!
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