Covid-19 has dampened celebration somewhat, but Festival of Lights goes on
Updated 5 years ago · Published on 14 Nov 2020 8:00AM
A worker disinfecting the exterior of the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Midlands Temple in Shah Alam. – SAIRIEN NAFIS/The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020
by Sairien Nafis
KUALA LUMPUR – Covid-19 has changed everything. Today, we live in what is known as the “new normal”.
In Malaysia, the spike in infections has resulted in the conditional movement control order being reimposed in most states.
Businesses, schools and houses of worship are required to follow strict health and safety standard operating procedures to curb the coronavirus’ spread.
Deepavali, which falls today, is affected by these restrictions, resulting in a rather muted celebration. However, the Hindu community is undeterred.
The Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Midlands Temple in Shah Alam, for example, has undertaken extensive sanitisation measures to ensure devotees’ safety, while many families have decorated their homes and cooked traditional dishes in anticipation of the Festival of Lights.
The Vibes photographer SAIRIEN NAFIS captures moments in the lead-up to the celebration. – The Vibes, November 14, 2020
P. Santhi (left), with her daughter-in-law G. Thulasi, making chicken curry at their home in Shah Alam. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020P. Mahaleetchumy putting up new curtains ahead of today’s Deepavali celebration. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020A family preparing their prayer room ahead of Deepavali. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Chicken curry is a staple dish at P. Santhi’s home each Deepavali. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Preparing for Deepavali is a good opportunity for the family to bond. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Rice is put on a tray under the sun to dry before it is used to make briyani. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Herbs and spices commonly used to prepare Indian delicacies. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020New curtains being put up ahead of Deepavali. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020A colourful vegetable dish prepared for the Festival of Lights. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020A florist preparing a garland outside a temple. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Flowers in a variety of colours and hues are used to make garlands. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Workers at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Midlands Temple in Shah Alam making preparations ahead of Deepavali. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020A temple staffer cleaning items ahead of Deepavali. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Thorough cleaning being carried out at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Midlands Temple. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Temple workers using water jets to clean the floor. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Ensuring everything is clean and ready before devotees arrive today for Deepavali prayers. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Clean-up being conducted at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Midlands Temple. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020The Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Midlands Temple will today welcome devotees for Deepavali prayers. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Disinfection being carried out at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Midlands Temple. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020Preparations being made for Deepavali at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Midlands Temple. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020The scene at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Midlands Temple a day before Deepavali. – The Vibes pic, November 14, 2020
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![[PHOTO] Staying vigilant this Deepavali](https://media.thevibes.com/images/uploads/covers/_large/13112020-deepavali_eve_disinfection_at_temple-SAIRIEN.jpg)
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