HAPPY DEEPAVALI EVERYONE!

Deepavali -- a sparkling Festival of Lights!

Deepavali is upon us again. It is a time when big bright eyes combined with bright smiles and generous hearts from our Hindu Malaysians beckon us into their homes and hearts to share in the festivities.

Traditionally, Deepavali is rooted in holy legends – there are a few, two of which are popular – but all of which deal with the lighting up of the beautiful clay oil lamps.

One tells of Rama, King of Ayodhya, defeating the evil Ravana. The other speaks of Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura. In both, versions, the people of the land lit oil lamps to light the path of the victors during darkness so that the forces of good could find their way home easily.

In Malaysia, Hindus start the day by doing what generations of their forefathers have been doing for centuries, by taking oil baths at dawn, offering prayers (pooja) and then, as the day progresses, entertaining relatives and friends who have been invited to partake of delicacies and food in a celebratory spirit.

One little known fact amongst non-Hindus is that our friends who celebrate Deepavali also offer prayers to the goddess Lakshmi, who is the goddess of fortune and wealth – both material and spiritual. The wikipedia website beautifully describes her as “the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage, (as well as) the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm.”

And sure enough, these are the enchanting qualities that come to the fore as Deepavali is celebrated in Malaysia. Happy Deepavali everyone!