AS THE Festival of Lights draws near, Klang Valley’s bustling shopping malls have turned their atriums into vibrant centrepieces of culture, light and colour.
Many malls have pulled out all stops to showcase the intricate and bold displays synonymous with the season.
From majestic peacocks to glowing kolams, the decorations reflect the spirit of light triumphing over darkness and symbolising all things good over bad.
Sunway Pyramid, Petaling Jaya
Decorative figures of traditional Indian dancers atop colourful kolam as well as marigolds and a pyramid of oil lamps elevate the atmosphere at Sunway Pyramid. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star and courtesy photos
The “Glorious Deepavali” campaign across Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Velocity Mall and others in the Sunway group brings the regal charm of Rajasthan, India to Malaysia.
At the heart of their displays are the Rangoli Chhatris –ornate umbrellas adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colours – that surround a diya (oil lamp) pyramid.
Decorative figures of traditional Indian dancers atop colourful kolams as well as marigolds covering the ground in hues of orange and red imbue the space with the spirit of the occasion.
The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur
The Gardens mall’s festive installation features one of Hinduism’s sacred symbols – the cow.
The Gardens Mall is ringing in this year’s Deepavali with an intricate kolam design featuring a sacred element of Hindu and Indian culture.
As one of the most recognisable symbols in Hinduism, the cow has been chosen as the central figure in the mall’s Deepavali decorations this year.
The decorations are a unique and sophisticated expression of the festival and allow visitors to learn about this beautiful animal and its connection to the religion.
KL East Mall, Kuala Lumpur
Two peacocks stand gracefully as a symbol of good luck and prosperity at KL East Mall.
At KL East Mall, the “Kolam of Joy” takes centre stage with its radiant display of intricate designs and vibrant colours with two peacocks resting above a kolam.Located on Level G2, the kolam bursts with hues of red, yellow, blue and green, each colour signifying the positivity and auspiciousness that Deepavali brings.
Adhering to classic, intricate floral and geometric patterns that signify auspiciousness and positivity, the design reflects the artistic heritage of the Indian community that defines the festival.
Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Bukit Jalil has set up three kolam in collaboration with UCSI University students.
At Pavilion Bukit Jalil, the theme “Light Up Deepavali” lives up to its name, with three kolam serving as artistic masterpieces that brighten the mall.
Created in collaboration with UCSI University’s students, the intricate designs are displayed at prime locations like the main entrance on levels two and three as well as the Pink Zone on Level Two.
Each design offers an eye-catching burst of colours and patterns for anyone who crosses its path.
The interplay of tradition and creativity is a bold statement to the enduring beauty of Deepavali and the rich heritage of our nation.
The Exchange TRX, Kuala Lumpur
The Exchange TRX’s Deepavali decor centrepiece has a grand peacock and intricate kolam in the foreground.
At The Exchange TRX, the Deepavali magic comes alive through the Symphony of Lights with a number of installations inside and outside the mall.
Its centrepiece installation located on the ground floor is a graceful peacock with its delicate tail illuminated with soft lights that mimic the glow of traditional oil lamps.
The peacock sits majestically above a mesh-wire lotus flower while basking in a warm and inviting glow that symbolises the triumph of light over darkness.
Surrounding the peacock are five kolam, one of which is an intricate design of another peacock.
IOI City Mall, Putrajaya
A majestic pillared pavilion, placed in the middle of a sprawling kolam featuring peacocks, greets visitors at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya.
Majesty takes centrestage at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, where the Deepavali decoration is as impressive as it is opulent.
A pillared pavilion placed in the middle of a sprawling kolam commands the attention of visitors as it sits majestically on the mall’s ground floor.
Anchoring the display are peacocks with their fanned out tails intricately woven into the kolam design that flows outward in a mesmerising burst of colours.
The radiant gold accents add a touch of grandeur, while the vibrant hues of the kolam convey the joy and positivity that Deepavali brings.
Setia City Mall, Shah Alam
A peacock adorned with real feathers rests on a tree branch below an arch surrounded by lotus flowers at Setia City Mall.
Setia City Mall’s Deepavali decorations depict a garden of lotus flowers with two peacocks symbolising prosperity and grace among a blooming garden with a grand illuminated arch.
The arch, adorned with vines and flowers, frames a third peacock resting above a kolam on a branch.
The kolam features an intricate floral and geometric pattern.
Large glowing lotus flowers add to the beautiful scene, symbolising purity and spiritual awakening.
Overhead, colourful hanging lanterns in tones of purple, gold and green liven up the atmosphere.
Pavilion Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Damansara Heights pays tribute to the Deepavali celebrations as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with this year’s decorations.
In a touching tribute to both Deepavali and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pavilion Damansara Heights has unveiled the “Lotus of Hope” – a breathtaking pink-themed kolam on Level Five of the shopping mall.
Designed by Jay Kumar and his team from the Malaysian Bumiputra Designer Association, the kolam stands on its own for its beauty and a symbol of resilience.
The pink hues, combined with the intricate lotus designs, reflect compassion and the importance of hope.
The lotus, known to rise from muddy waters, symbolises strength in adversity.
