Deepavali or festival of lights is celebrated by Hindu devotees throughout the country today albeit on a moderate scale.

The festival represents triumph of good over evil, among others, and in Malaysia's context, goodwill and harmony among the various races through the 'open house' tradition.

At the same time, the people are also mindful and share the sorrow of the families of victims who perished in the fire at Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor recently.

In this regard, no major celebrations and official open houses here and in Johor are held, as a mark of respect for those who died in the tragedy, of whom three are Indians.

In KUALA LUMPUR, the religious rituals and traditions continue with devotees going to the temple early morning before visiting their relatives and friends.

At Sri Subramaniyar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves, Bernama observed foreign tourists making sure that they would not miss the opportunity to join the celebration besides savouring delicacies sold by traders at the premises, that are synonymous with the occasion.

For Percey Shelley, 33, from United Kingdom, her second visit to Malaysia is made more meaningful with the opportunity to join in the colourful festivity of Deepavali.

"It is an amazing experience to witness such wonderful and colourful celebration like this. Not to mention the hospitality that was given by the local people that was great and I feel welcomed here," she said.

Meanwhile, at the Sri Ayyanareeswarar temple, in Setapak, the Hindu followers began arriving as early as 7am for prayers and paying respect to members of their family who had passed away.

A local university student, P. Dineshwaran, 27, who visited the temple together with his friends, said for him, Deepavali preparation was done in moderation as he was unable to return home to celebrate it with his family in Perak due to study commitments.

Meanwhile, at Sri Maha Kaliamman temple, Seri Serdang, Hindus took the chance to go to the temple together with their families.

J.Shaliney, 32, said every year, she would never miss out on gatherings with her family after going for prayers.

At SHAH ALAM, the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, at Section 7, and the Sri Agilandeswari Temple in Kapar, Klang became the focus of Hindus.

In celebration of this "Festival of light", Hindu followers also took the opportunity to have open houses, welcoming visits from relatives and friends.

In IPOH, Deepavali was celebrated under favourable weather with an influx of Hindus filling the temples of the city.

West Ipoh MIC chief Datuk G. Rajoo also held his open house at his residence at Lim Garden, here beginning from 12pm until 3pm.

A Bernama survey on several tourists spots such as Little India, in Ipoh, revealed a festive air, filled with visitors and colourful Deepavali decorations.

In SUNGAI PETANI, the festival was celebrated by about 75,000 Indians, beginning with the blessing from parents before going to the temple to attend religious ceremonies and visiting family and friends.

Sungai Petani MIC chief, T.H. Subra said they would host a Deepavali open house soon.

"However, as a mark of respect to those who perished in the fire at Sultanah Aminah Johor Hospital recently, Deepavali was celebrated on a moderate scale," he said.

In PENANG, temples along Jalan Kebun Bunga, here, were the focus of Hindus to pray as the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani temple at the foothill of the road was closed for construction.

An observation of Little India here by Bernama found that most of the shops were closed, and many people including foreign tourists took advantage of the festive season to go sightseeing at areas like Lebuh Queen, Lebuh Chulia and Jalan Pasar which were popular during the Deepavali celebration.

In KUANTAN, Hindu followers began flooding the oldest temple in the district, the Sri Sithi Vinayagar temple that was estimated to be more than 120 years old, for prayers since 7am.

Temple chairman, S. Gunasundram said preparation for the influx of visitors began from 4am with its council members and Hindu priests carrying out a religious ritual of bathing their idols in the temple.

In SEREMBAN, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and his wife Raja Datin Seri Salbiah Tengku Nujumudin attended the open house held by MIC National Information chief Datuk V.S. Mogan at his house, which was also attended by about 500 visitors.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan MIC chairman Datuk L. Manickam also hosted an open house at the compounds of the Jeram Padang Barisan Nasional service centre, in Bahau. -- Bernama