[PHOTOS] Goodbye dark MCO days, hello vibrant Deepavali
This year’s revelry expected to be bright as govt okays interstate travel
Updated 4 years ago · Published on 04 Nov 2021 10:00AM
Hindus are thankful as more states have now shifted to Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan, which gives them more opportunities to honour Deepavali in high spirits. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021
by Mohd Hazli ‘Bobo’ Hassan
KUALA LUMPUR – If the last Deepavali was marked by melancholy due to the Covid-19 pandemic that ravaged the country, including the enforcement of multiple movement control orders (MCOs), this year’s celebration of the light festival appears to be infinitely more vibrant.
Typical hotspots are now increasingly crowded with visitors eyeing various necessities for the Deepavali carousing today.
The transition to Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan in Kuala Lumpur has provided a renewed lease on life to traders whose revenues had been falling.
The presence of Deepavali lightens up the general mood, of course, and bestows a significant boost for entrepreneurs – who welcome not only Indian customers, but also those among Malaysia’s other races.
This is Malaysia, a remarkably diverse country in which every race’s festivities are celebrated equally without discrimination.
Deepavali can be observed by the Malays, Chinese, and so forth from the state of Perlis all the way to Sabah.
The Klang Valley notwithstanding, this year’s revelry is expected to be bright as the government has made travel throughout the country permissible.
Bar the excitement, most state roads and highways are likely to be congested as people take advantage of the opportunity to return to their hometowns after more than a year of being unable to do so.
Meanwhile, temples are being cleaned and beautified in preparation for the arrival of Hindu devotees who had previously been denied entry due to the MCO.
In any event, we should keep in mind that Covid-19 is still present despite the easing of travel restrictions since early last month.
Although 95.7% of the adult population have been fully vaccinated thus far, the government’s multiple standard operating procedures are in place to ensure that a Covid-19 outbreak does not happen.
Here we have The Vibes shutterbugs SAIRIEN NAFIS, AZIM RAHMAN, SADIQ ASYRAF, and SYEDA IMRAN surveying the joyous activities of Indians ahead of the Deepavali celebrations. – The Vibes, November 4, 2021
A Hindu devotee seen praying at a temple while wearing a face mask. Many thoughts and prayers have gone into hoping for an end to the Covid-19 crisis in Malaysia. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021A Hindu temple priest among those in charge of cleaning and beautifying an establishment to welcome visitors in conjunction with Deepavali. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021Deepavali gets its name from the rows of clay lamps that Indians light up as a symbol of the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021Only fully vaccinated individuals are allowed to go to temples, cemeteries, or go on home visits during Deepavali. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021A temple official puts up notices on the Covid-19 standard operating procedures that must be complied with by those who wish to enter a house of worship. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021Indian shoppers browsing through a store’s selection in preparation for the imminent festivities. – SAIRIEN NAFIS/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021Traders of small businesses can only breathe a sigh of relief after the country moved into Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021Indian shoppers aside, most Malaysians do not hesitate to grab the opportunity to enjoy Deepavali deals and promotions. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021A shopkeeper arranging flower garlands up for sale. These eye-catching decorations are a must-have for any Hindu celebration. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021An entrepreneur making traditional Indian sweets. These desserts can be found all year round, but undoubtedly make their biggest appearance only at this time of the year. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021A stunning kolam or rangoli spotted at Bangsar Shopping Centre. These floor drawings are typically made with coloured rice or flour, marking the festivities of Deepavali. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021A skilled artist carefully fills in the lines of a kolam with the use of brightly coloured rice. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021R. Dewi has been producing rangoli for 20 years during every Indian festival at the request of the people. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021The art of henna – temporary body tattoos that originated from ancient India, Egypt, Africa, and the Middle East – has become a fun activity synonymous with Deepavali celebrations. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021Various shopping complexes aim to subtly outdo each other to attract visitors via the beauty and creativity of the rangoli designs at their respective premises. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021A police officer standing guard on the busy streets of Brickfields. The Indian hotspot has naturally become increasingly crowded due to the presence of festivalgoers. – SADIQ ASYRAF/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021
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![[PHOTOS] Goodbye dark MCO days, hello vibrant Deepavali](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/November_2021/Deepavali/_large/30102021_-_KL_Deepavali_preparations_-_SADIQ_ASYRAF_-_16.jpeg)
