Finally reunited: families rejoice in proper Deepavali celebrations

KUALA LUMPUR – “I almost forgot what celebrating Deepavali felt like.” 

This was among the sentiments shared by Malaysian Hindus who are finally able to observe this auspicious festival with their families, after travel restrictions forced many apart last year. 

For some, this festive period is also the first time they are able to reconnect with their loved ones in over a year, thanks to the easing of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) – including the ban on interstate and inter-district travel. 

Speaking to The Vibes, Prabu Gurunathan, 29, could not hide his delight at finally reuniting with his wife, Suganya, after spending their last Deepavali 6,000km apart, with the latter working in Kuwait. 

Strict SOPs enforced by both countries meant it was almost impossible for the couple – who were only married in 2018 – to meet. 

The previous year’s celebration was also subdued as – despite staying together then – Prabu said his family was in mourning following the passing of his grandmother. 

“This year is basically the first time me, Suganya, and my family are properly celebrating after two years. It feels so fresh and new, I almost forgot how Deepavali was like. 

Last year was particularly hard. My wife and I did speak in video chats, but as Kuwait is five hours behind Malaysia, we were not able to really do our prayers together.” 

This year’s Deepavali is meaningful for Prabu as he will be following his wife back to Kuwait later this month, where he will be working as a safety officer for the next five years. 

Praying with ease of mind

Praveen Kumar Venktasalam, 31, said he is especially thrilled about being able to visit a temple for morning Deepavali prayers with his family – after they skipped the ceremony last year due to tight SOPs and fears of Covid-19 infections. 

Now with lesser restrictions, and vaccination requirements to enter temples, he said his family is able to pray with ease of mind. 

Like many other Malaysians, Praveen was able to finally reconnect with his relatives for the first time in over a year, and said he particularly enjoys the physical presence of his family members compared to just speaking through the phone. 

“We celebrated at my aunt’s house in Klang, and the whole family from my mother’s side is here. Last year, we were not able to do so, as most live in different districts and states.” 

E. Shaevitharoopan, 32, who only celebrated Deepavali last year with his wife and two children, said he is delighted to be able to do so this time with his father and siblings. 

He will also be travelling with his family to Teluk Intan, Perak, today where they will then meet up with other relatives. 

“I am happy, excited, ecstatic, you name it. I am particularly glad for my children who are able to meet their cousins. 

“Of course I am blessed to be celebrating Deepavali even with just my wife and kids, but to do so with a larger family is something else. After all, it is the festival of lights, and nothing brings more joy and light than being with our family,” he said. – The Vibes, November 5, 2021