GEORGE TOWN – For many Malaysians, the celebration of Deepavali – the Festival of Lights – today marks a highly significant phase in our triumph over the Covid-19 pandemic that has debilitated the country’s health and economy.
Social and religious activists are using the opportunity to remind one and all there are other “demons” that still need to be vanquished.
As the Deepavali season shall continue to be observed by Hindus over the next few days, calls are being made to honour the occasion with purity of values and a noble spiritual objective.
Malaysia Hindhu Dharma Mamandram national women chief R. Rajaletchumi urged Hindus to retain religious values and avoid alcohol during the revelry.
She called for Hindus to take advantage of the occasion to initiate reconciliation and foster unity with different people, adding that it is important to bring happiness to others – especially the neglected and underprivileged.
“Observe the festival on a simple and moderate scale,” she said, noting that exorbitant spending and borrowing from others ought to be shunned during this time.
“Enjoy (yourselves) with family members who were separated by misunderstandings or the pandemic, and come together during the festival. Foster love, caring, and unity among the family and community,” said Rajaletchumi, who is also Mamandram’s Bukit Mertajam branch chief.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board executive director Datuk M. Ramachandran said Hindus should give thanks and appreciate the chance to get together – especially those with elderly parents and relatives – after a prolonged period.
However, he stressed that they should always bear in mind that the Covid-19 pandemic remains and still poses a risk to people.
“Let us celebrate Deepavali happily in a simpler manner with our kin, using the little money we have based on family values by sharing with others.
“Don’t waste your money by playing with fireworks as they are expensive. It is similar to burning your money. Save the money for the future education of children,” he said.
Eradicating liquor problem
Penang Hindu Association president P. Murugiah also advised Hindus to avoid alcohol consumption, adding that there are cases of families affected due to husbands or sons becoming alcoholics.
He said such husbands would undoubtedly neglect their wives – and in cases where the youth themselves are alcoholics, parents would be forsaken instead.
He noted that some may also end up losing their jobs due to overdrinking, besides harassing their parents for money. As such, Murugiah said control on cheap hard liquor will go a long way towards protecting families.
Murugiah thanked the government for increasing the tax on alcohol, as announced in the recent Budget 2022 announcement.
At the same time, he said the government needs to set up rehabilitation centres for alcohol addicts as the task is currently being undertaken by non-governmental organisations.
Meanwhile, Consumers’ Association of Penang education bureau chief N.V. Subbarow called for Hindus to avoid fireworks during the festival as the smoke produced not only pollutes the environment, but also causes breathing difficulties among asthmatic patients and young children.
“The world is fighting to preserve Mother Nature by not polluting the environment. Let us do our part by not playing with fireworks during the Deepavali celebrations,” he said. – The Vibes, November 4, 2021
