Deepavali (Diwali)

Deepavali (Diwali) is celebrated universally by Hindus and is observed as a public holiday in Malaysia. This festival falls on the 14th day of the Tamil month of Aipasi, which corresponds with October and November in the Gregorian calendar. It is also known to many as the Festival of Lights. The word "Deepavali" derives from the combination of the words ‘Deepa’ and ‘Avali’, the former meaning ‘light’ and the latter meaning ‘a row’. Thus, symbolising the rows of lights that can be seen at the houses of Hindu celebrants. As light dispels darkness, this festival symbolises the victory of good over evil. At the dawn of Deepavali, Hindus perform the ritual oil bath which signifies a cleansing of the body and soul. Following this symbolic rite in purification which marks a new beginning, devotees visit temples where shrines of Hindu deities are encircled with flower garlands. The entrances of Hindu homes are decorated with the ‘kolam’, an intricate floral design on the ground which signifies religious beliefs. This religious connotation revolves around the Goddess of Wealth, the deity Lakshmi. Many believe that the Goddess Lakshmi would only enter a home with a ‘kolam’ at the entrance.