KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — A festive mood filled towns and cities across the country as Hindus ushered in Deepavali today with prayers, temple visits, family reunions and gatherings with friends and neighbours.
At the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves near here, the grounds were already buzzing with activity early this morning as families in colourful traditional attire arrived to offer prayers.
A visitor, Vishnu, 36, who came with his wife and two children, said visiting the temple had been a family tradition since his childhood, and one he was now happy to continue with his own family.
He said it was also heartening to see tourists and Malaysians of different races joining in the celebrations.
Meanwhile, in SELANGOR, devotee A. Narmatha, 23, who was met after offering prayers at the Ellai Muniyandi Temple in Setia Alam, hoped this year’s Deepavali would bring happiness and blessings to all Malaysians.
In a Facebook post, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the celebration continued to bring the state’s diverse communities closer together.
He also gave an assurance that the state government would continue to look after the welfare of the Indian community through various initiatives.
In PERAK, about 10,000 Hindus gathered at the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple at Gunung Cheroh in Ipoh from as early as 6.30 am to offer prayers.
A Hindu woman anoints a girl with blessed ash at the Sri Subramaniya Swami Devasthanam temple along Jalan Kuala Ketil in Sungai Petani, Kedah in conjunction with Deepavali on November 8, 2026. — Bernama pic
Temple chairman R. Seetharaman, 56, said many devotees began the day with prayers at home before heading to the temple, where they arrived in colourful traditional attire carrying offerings of flowers, milk and fruits, before continuing the celebrations with visits to relatives.
In PENANG, the Muniswarar Temple in Jalan Baru and the Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple in Seberang Jaya also drew crowds from early morning, with people of all ages coming together to mark the occasion.
Housewife R. Dewi, 68, from Seberang Jaya, said Deepavali was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen family ties and catch up with neighbours of other races, while passing the spirit of unity on to the younger generation.
In NEGERI SEMBILAN, the Sri Bala Thandayuthapani Temple in Seremban held two prayer sessions, one in the morning and another set for later in the afternoon, to give devotees more space and comfort while avoiding overcrowding.
In KEDAH, this year’s celebrations brought extra joy and relief to Hindus in Anak Bukit who had been affected by floods previously.
Resident R. Nandran, 43, said he was grateful to be able to celebrate peacefully with his family without worrying about his home being flooded as it had been last year.
His family was also hosting an open house, with halal dishes such as mutton curry, thosai and briyani prepared for their Malay and Chinese friends and neighbours.
Hindu devotees visiting the Arulmigu Karumariamman temple in Butterworth, Penang to perform prayers in conjunction with Deepavali on November 8, 2026. — Bernama pic
For S. Khulanasari, 36, who lives in Penang, the celebration was made even more special by her return to Kuala Kedah to spend Deepavali with her parents after work commitments had kept her away for two years.
In KELANTAN, the Indian community in Kampung Ladang Kerrila, Tanah Merah, kept the celebrations simple but meaningful, starting the day with prayers at the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
Resident G. Maran, 45, said the occasion was a chance to reunite with relatives who had returned to their hometowns and enjoy traditional treats.
In JOHOR, the 115-year-old Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple in Johor Bahru welcomed about 2,500 Hindu devotees, including foreign workers from India and Nepal.
Temple treasurer Murali Sami said the historic temple also drew foreign tourists, particularly from Western countries and China, who were keen to admire its architecture and experience Hindu traditions.
Hindu devotees posing for family photos at the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar temple at Gunung Cheroh in Ipoh, Perak while performing prayers in conjunction with Deepavali on November 8, 2026. — Bernama pic
In PAHANG, the home of R. Palamal, 65, in Kuantan was filled with laughter and family cheer as more than 30 relatives from different parts of the country gathered to celebrate after offering prayers at the Sri Mariamman Temple.
In PERLIS, the Arulmigu Arumugaswamy Dhevasthanam Temple in Kangar was already welcoming devotees from 7 am, with the celebrations drawing the local Indian community together.
Temple chairman Datuk Dr R. Hari Ram said more than 200 devotees were expected to visit the temple.
The temple management had also prepared and distributed food to residents of an old folks’ home, spreading the joy of the Festival of Lights beyond the temple grounds. — Bernama
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