Hindus celebrate Deepavali, marking light’s triumph over darkness

ByEnigma 808

Hindus in Malaysia and worldwide will celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, on Monday, October 20. This festival symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Malaysia Hindudharma Maamandram president A. Radhakrishnan explained that Deepavali comes from the Tamil words “Deepam” (lamp) and “Awali” (array), representing the removal of ignorance and the pursuit of enlightenment. The lamp represents the divine presence, and the flame symbolizes the soul, blessing devotees with spiritual energy.

Preparations for Deepavali begin with prayers to ancestors and the lighting of lamps to honor Goddess Mahalakshmi. On the morning of Deepavali, devotees perform the Ganga Snanam, a holy oil bath, to cleanse the body and soul. They then dress in new clothes, offer sweets and fruits, and seek blessings from elders.

Malaysian Hindu Sangam president T. Ganesan advised devotees to take the oil bath between 5:45 am and 7 am, based on local sunrise time, and to celebrate the festival peacefully by avoiding alcohol, gambling, and loud firecrackers. He emphasized that Deepavali should be a time of unity, peace, and spiritual growth.

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    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.