KUALA LUMPUR – After two years of subdued celebrations in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the air is currently filled with excitement this Deepavali.
Hindus in the country have been busy preparing for the festival since yesterday despite having to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set.
In the capital, a check in the Little India area in Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, found the site crowded with visitors, especially Hindus making purchases for the festival.
A food trader who only wanted to be known as Ros, 27, said she was excited to have had a stream of customers since morning, and said that the atmosphere would become even livelier after 7pm as there were discounts of up to 70% offered to shoppers.
Meanwhile, clothes seller M. Amutha, 28, thanked the government for allowing some flexibility to celebrate Deepavali.
“Last year, we did not make many preparations due to Covid-19, and just had a scaled-down celebration. However, this year is more joyous as we can celebrate again with our families in our hometowns,” said Amutha, who will be heading to her hometown tomorrow morning.
In Perak, both locals and foreigners made a beeline yesterday to Little India in Jalan Lahat, Ipoh, to purchase clothing, foodstuffs, home decorations, and prayer items to celebrate Deepavali today.
A check showed people arriving in the area by 10am to buy sarees and henna, as well as foodstuffs like muruku and Deepavali cards. Despite the congestion, the situation was under control in terms of SOP compliance.
In Negri Sembilan, the Little India area in Jalan Dato’ Lee Fong Yee was filled yesterday with customers making last-minute purchases.
One of the visitors, S. Kulenderan, 33, shared his excitement for Deepavali, which he had not felt since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country last year.
Meanwhile, clothing store employee S. Kumar, 32, expressed his delight with the return of customers since last week.
In Johor, private sector employee P. Thanaletchumi, 44, said that she was grateful to the government for allowing the celebration under the new normal.
“The reopening of businesses has helped us to celebrate Deepavali with more joy, and we can visit relatives here and in other states too. I am so happy to be able to visit family and friends,” she said.
Student N. Niharuka, 13, said that this year’s Deepavali celebration holds much meaning for her, especially after being “trapped” at home during the festival last year. – Bernama, November 4, 2021
