Deepavali is one of the major celebrations in Malaysia that is just around the corner (to be celebrated on Saturday).

Deepavali in Sanskrit literally means Festival of Lights where Hindus illuminate their homes using clay lamps with wicks called diyas or other
forms of lights.
The glow of these lamps not only signifies the warmth that light brings but also represents the accomplishment of all material attributes, be it
riches and fame, or knowledge, success and peace.
The entrance of houses are decorated with lovely traditional rangoli motifs (kolam) to welcome Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity.
The colourful festival celebrated by Hindus worldwide usually falls around late October or early November.
The Hindus consider Deepavali, also called Diwali by north Indians, as one of their most important festivals.
There is a legend behind this festival that claims Narakasura, a demon king, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram with a clenched fist.
Under his rule, the people suffered hardship and the king even imprisoned women in his palace.
On seeing the people's suffering, Lord Krishna set out to destroy the demon king and the day Narakasura died is celebrated as Deepavali a
triumph of good over evil!
Preparation for Deepavali usually starts at least two to three weeks before the festival. Houses are cleaned, some go the extra mile to
renovate their houses or just add a new coat of paint.
Usually the family will shop for new clothes and accessories and add decorative items to their homes and draw kolam at the entrance of their
premises.
The kolam includes design elements that are purely geometrical with dots, lines, triangles, squares, circles, and other auspicious symbols like
the swastika, conch shell, lotus, trident, footprint and the star, relating to expressions of cosmic harmony and spiritual energy in certain vedic
practices.
Coloured rice, grated coconut, with silver or even gold dust, may be used to make the patterns other than rice flour.
These patterns are traditionally laid out on the floor in certain areas like around the shrine, entrance and on the dining mats.
The kolam is generally the handiwork of the women folk to add gaiety to the celebration.
On the auspicious day, Hindus usually wake up early and the first ritual is the gingerly oil bath using cinnamon powder, which is an important
feature that has withstood the test of time despite the younger generation's preference for soap and shampoo.
Next they dress in their new clothes men wearing dhoti or kurtas, women in silk saris, Punjabi suits, lengha, karisma suits of various colour
shades and head to temples.
Hindus particularly dislike dressing in black on this auspicious day.
Hindus would also pay their respect to the elderly and the deceased. This is an important ritual.
Visiting open houses is most certainly an interesting activity on this auspicious day as one
ill get to taste a wide variety of delicious Indian food.
Visitors are bound to be served with tempting sweets and cookies with murukku being the signature savoury treat.
Indians are synonymous with spicy food and indulgence in favourite fare like chicken or mutton curry, prawn sambal and fish head curry on
this day is almost a must.
In homes of Hindus who are vegetarian, popular dishes like thosai, idly, puree and naan satisfy their palate.
Among countries where the festival is celebrated or observed in its own unique ways are India, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius,
Fiji, Guyana, Thailand, South Africa, Trinidad and Canada, to name a few. Bernama, Octob
- See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/features/article/deepavali-a-festival-of-lights-to-celebrate-peace-andharmony#sthash.n5l6Mlrw.dpuf