Starchild: How Malaysian children celebrate Deepavali

Tamisha Ravi, 12

In Malaysia, Deepavali is an important celebration observed by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists. Known as the festival of lights, it symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Every year, millions of people across Malaysia celebrate this special day with joy, colour and lots of yummy food!

Deepavali usually begins with a ritual oil bath early in the morning. Families wake up, cleanse themselves and wear new clothes. Many people also visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

A big part of Deepavali is decorating homes with kolam, a traditional artwork made on the floor using colourful rice or flower petals. It’s believed to bring good luck and welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, into the home.

Another exciting part of Deepavali is the food! Delicious traditional treats like muruku, ladoo and payasam are made and shared with family and friends. It is also common for people of other races and religions in Malaysia to be invited to celebrate together, showing the spirit of unity and harmony in our country.Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12

In the evening, homes are lit up with beautiful oil lamps called diyas to ward away darkness and bring in light and happiness. Some families also set off fireworks to make the night even more magical.

Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, Deepavali. Here’s what they had to say.

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 12, writes, “Every Deepavali, my classmate Tamisha invites me and my family to her house to celebrate the special day. I love her mother’s cooking very much, especially prawn sambal and crabs. I like to eat muruku too. All the food is good and delicious. Yummy! I want to wish all my friends who celebrate Deepavali, “Have a happy, safe and blessed Deepavali.”

Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, nine, writes, “The festival generally symbolises the victory of light over darkness. There are decorations at the malls too, mostly kolam. I had a chance to see how it was set up during my visit at the mall. One of the important items used to make the kolam is colourful rice. There are many beautiful kolam designs, including lotus flowers, peacocks and musical instruments.”Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 9

Tamisha Ravi, 12, says it has been a busy week for her in the last week leading up to Deepavali. “Deepavali is a time for redecorating our home, buying new clothes and preparing gifts such as sweetmeats, dried fruits and nuts. I will help my mother clean the house and prepare some homemade muruku and sweets for my friends when they come to my house during Deepavali.”Ken Xin Ru, 12

“During Deepavali, people who celebrate the festival will wear their finest clothes and decorate their homes with diyas. It is a festival of lights and happiness. They will prepare an array of snacks and tidbits such as adhirasam and muruku. I wish to see some fireworks too,” says Ken Xin Ru, 12.

ITEM: There are many special days throughout the year. Which is your favourite? Do you love Deepavali, Christmas or Chinese New Year? Perhaps Deepavali is your favourite because of the beautiful kolam designs and the delicious snacks like muruku and ladoo. Maybe you enjoy Christmas with its sparkling lights, gift-giving and festive meals. Or perhaps you like Chinese New Year for its exciting lion dances, fireworks and mandarin oranges. Tell us why this special day is your favourite. Is it the family gatherings, the fun traditions or the tasty food? We’d love to know what makes these celebrations so enjoyable for you.

Email your contributions to [e-mail] by Nov 8. Please put “STARCHILD: My Favourite Day” in the subject line of your email. Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.