Malaysia Hindudharma Maamandram president Radhakrishnan Alagamalai shared insights on commemorating this sacred day with reverence and tradition.
“The rows of oil lamps symbolise the journey from darkness to light, a reminder to cast aside arrogance, jealousy and ego – qualities that represent inner darkness. Dispel these to achieve spiritual clarity,” he told Bernama.
Preparations, he said, begin on the eve of Deepavali today, with customs honouring the family’s “kula deivam” (clan deity) and inviting ancestral blessings. Families gather at 7.30pm to light a lamp facing south, seeking blessings from their ancestors.
“To welcome Sri Maha Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth) into the home in the form of light, place a small table in the courtyard. Cover it with a clean cloth, adorn it with decorated ‘kuttu vilakku’ (traditional standing lamps) and flowers, along with a tray of fruits, betel leaves and areca nuts, sandalwood paste, vermilion, and a bowl of gingelly oil,” he said.
Once preparations are complete, families light the kuttu vilakku and place lamps around the home to dispel darkness and invite blessings. Before bedtime, these lamps are moved to the “pooja”room, leaving one side of the kuttu vilakku lit to preserve the light for the early-morning rituals.
On Deepavali morning, families start with a sacred oil bath, symbolising the blessings of the Ganges River. This ritual is observed during Brahma Muhurtham, an auspicious time ending at 5.27am. Family members rise early, wash their hands and feet, and light all five faces of the kuttu vilakku from the night before.
“A family member should light the lamps and offer prayers to Goddess Mahalakshmi, believed to manifest in the kuttu vilakku,” said Radhakrishnan. The fruits, betel leaves, sandal paste and gingelly oil from the previous night should be dedicated to Lakshmi Narayanan, a form of Lord Vishnu.
The ritual continues as family members apply gingelly oil, symbolising Mahalakshmi, to each other’s heads, followed by a cleansing bath with warm water to represent Ganga Devi, the personification of the Ganges.
Family members then gather in prayer, presenting new clothes, sweets and fruits before an image of Lord Krishna or a “poorna kumbam” (sacred pot). Elders bless the younger family members, who bow and receive their new clothes, lightly dusted with turmeric for auspiciousness.
Hindu Sangam president Ganesan Thangavellu explained that after home prayers, families traditionally visit temples in their new attire to worship and give thanks.
“Temple visits allow families to share greetings with fellow devotees, extending Deepavali’s warmth and goodwill throughout the community,” he said.
He encouraged families to invite friends and relatives for a festive feast to share blessings and joy, and further urged them to spread light through acts of kindness. This, he said, could be in the form of visits to orphanages, elderly care homes, or shelters for people with disabilities.
Charitable contributions, he noted, deepen the spirit of giving. “Deepavali is not just about lighting lamps; it’s about bringing light into the lives of those around us,” Ganesan concluded.