Deepavali preparations in top gear despite heavy rain pouring

KUALA LUMPUR: With three days left, preparations for the Deepavali celebration, also known as the Festival of Lights, are now at their peak.

Even heavy rain could not dampen the spirit of Hindu devotees in preparing for Deepavali this Sunday.

Bernama checks also found that they didn't even mind getting drenched in the rain to complete their preparations and buy traditional costumes, jewellery, sweet delicacies and traditional cookies such as Murukku and ghee-soaked 'Nei Urundai', especially in Little India, Brickfields; Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang and Lebuh Ampang here.

In fact, the preparations were also in full swing at the 21st Deepavali Carnival 2023 in Bukit Jalil's open car park, which provides attractive offers to woo customers.

The organiser, Agenda Suria Communication Sdn Bhd Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Jaggarao Simancha said, so far, about 100,000 have visited the carnival which began on Nov 3.

"An interesting fact about this carnival, which has been going on for 20 years, is that it has attracted tourists not only from Malaysia but also from Singapore, Indonesia and Australia," he told Bernama.

Jaggarao also noted that the organising of the carnival was also aimed at making Malaysia a trading hub for Indian goods and services in Southeast Asia.

For shoppers, Lina Dharshini Sivakumar, 25, shopping in the rain was really challenging, but she agreed that the challenge was quite normal as Malaysians are prone to last-minute shopping.

"Every year also rains during Deepavali season. It is normal but still challenging especially when we rush in last minute," she said, adding that it was also good that air-conditioned tents were provided at the Deepavali Carnival.

Meanwhile, Melvin Paul Kaur, 26, said the carnival offers good quality products at lower prices compared with other shops and also has space for bargain prices.

Hindu devotees around the world observe Deepavali to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and it will be celebrated on Saturthasi Tithi, the 14th day of the month of Iypasi, based on the Hindu panjangam calendar, every year.

Deepavali in Sanskrit literally means 'Festival of Lights' where Hindu devotees illuminate their homes using clay lamps with wicks called "diyas" or other forms of lights.

The golden glow of these lamps not only signifies the warmth that light can bring but also signifies the accomplishment of all material attributes, be it riches and fame, or knowledge, success, and peace.

-- BERNAMA