Hindus in the country have been busy preparing for the festival, which will be celebrated tomorrow, despite having to comply with SOPs.
In Kuala Lumpur, a check in Little India, along Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, found that the site was crowded with visitors, doing some last-minute shopping.
A food trader who only wanted to be known as Ros, 27, was excited to have had a stream of customers since morning and said that the atmosphere would be even livelier after 7pm as there were discounts of up to 70% offered to shoppers.
Meanwhile, clothes seller, M Amutha, 28, thanked the government for allowing some flexibility to celebrate Deepavali.
“Last year, due to Covid-19, we did not make many preparations, just a scaled-down celebration. However, this year it is more joyous as we can celebrate again with our families in my hometown,” said Amutha, who is planning on leaving tomorrow morning.
In Perak, both locals and foreigners made a beeline for Little India (Jalan Lahat) in Ipoh, to purchase clothing, foodstuffs, decorations and prayer items.
A check showed hordes of people arriving in the area by 10am, to buy sarees, henna as well as snacks like murukku and Deepavali cards. Despite the congestion, shoppers complied with the SOPs.
In Negeri Sembilan, customers were spotted making last-minute purchases in Little India, along Jalan Dato Lee Fong Yee.
When met, S Kulenderan, 33, shared the excitement of Deepavali, which had not been felt since the pandemic struck the country early last year.
Meanwhile, clothing store employee S Kumar, 32, expressed his delight with the return of customers since last week.
In Johor, a private sector employee P Thanaletchumi, 44, said that she was grateful to the government for allowing the celebration under the new normal.
“The reopening of businesses has helped us to celebrate Deepavali with more joy, and we can visit relatives here and in other states too. I am so happy to be able to visit family and friends,” she said.
Student N Niharuka, 13, said that this year’s Deepavali celebration brings so much meaning to her especially after being “trapped” at home during the festival last year.
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