Malaysia Celebrates Deepavali 2026 as Anwar Calls for Unity, Respect and Stronger Community Ties
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — Malaysians celebrating Deepavali are marking the Festival of Lights today through traditional prayers, family reunions and cultural activities, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim calls for greater understanding and unity across the country's diverse communities.
The celebration falls on Sunday, November 8, this year, with families observing customs that reflect the festival's significance in Hindu religious and cultural traditions.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Unity has confirmed that Malaysia's national-level Deepavali celebration will take place in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, on November 14, with approximately 5,000 visitors expected.
Festival of Lights carries a message of hope
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is among the most significant festivals celebrated by Hindu communities around the world.
The occasion traditionally symbolises the victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
In Malaysia, celebrations commonly include the lighting of oil lamps, religious prayers, decorating homes and preparing festive meals.
Traditional clay oil lamps, sometimes known as agal vilakku, are an important part of the celebrations.
Their light represents hope and the aspiration for a positive and peaceful future.
Decorative kolam designs, created using coloured materials arranged into intricate patterns, are another familiar feature of Deepavali celebrations.
Customs may differ between households and communities, reflecting the diversity of Hindu traditions in Malaysia.
Anwar urges Malaysians to strengthen unity
In a Deepavali message issued on November 7, Anwar encouraged Malaysians to use the celebration as an opportunity to strengthen relationships across ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of mutual understanding, respect and compassion in maintaining harmony within a multicultural society.
He also encouraged citizens to show greater consideration towards those in need.
His message presented Deepavali as more than an annual celebration, emphasising the values that people from different backgrounds can share.
Anwar extended his festive greetings to the Hindu community and expressed hope that the occasion would bring happiness, peace and prosperity.
National celebration scheduled for November 14
The Ministry of National Unity has announced a separate national-level celebration to be held at Little India in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, on November 14.
The event will carry the theme The Light of Deepavali: Fostering Unity.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said approximately 5,000 visitors from different communities are expected to attend.
The programme is being organised in collaboration with the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Anwar is scheduled to officiate at the event.
The projected attendance represents an estimate issued before the event and should not be treated as a confirmed visitor count.
The programme is also separate from the Deepavali celebrations taking place today.
Higher education institutions offer flexible learning arrangements
The Ministry of Higher Education has introduced temporary learning arrangements to help Hindu students and teaching staff at public higher education institutions celebrate Deepavali with their families.
From November 5 to 13, eligible students and academic personnel may be provided with online or hybrid teaching and learning arrangements.
The initiative covers public universities, polytechnics and community colleges.
However, its implementation depends on each institution's academic requirements and the suitability of individual courses.
The ministry said the arrangements are intended to support family reunions while ensuring that teaching and learning activities continue.
Deepavali remains an important part of Malaysian culture
In Malaysia, Deepavali celebrations also provide opportunities for interaction among communities of different backgrounds.
Open houses, family visits and the sharing of festive food help introduce cultural traditions to friends and neighbours.
Such activities contribute to the country's broader tradition of multicultural celebrations, alongside other major religious and cultural festivals.
The Ministry of National Unity has highlighted the role of cultural activities in encouraging stronger neighbourhood relationships and greater understanding.
As Malaysia marks Deepavali 2026, the festival's message of hope, kindness and mutual respect remains especially relevant to the country's diverse society.
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