KUALA LUMPUR: Deepavali celebrations were held on a moderate scale with worshippers taking advantage of the fair morning weather to perform puja (prayer) in temples nationwide.
Meanwhile, in a true spirit of harmony, people from all walks of life attended open houses held in commemoration of the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, while others took the opportunity to visit family and friends.
In Negri Sembilan, some 1,000 people from all walks of life attended the Deepavali open house hosted by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department P. Waytha Moorthy at Seremban Municipal Council’s hall here.
Orphans, elderly and disabled people from Vivekananda Orphanage, as well as Sri Raghavendra and Vinashini Welfare homes were the special guests at the event which started at noon.
Guests were entertained with traditional Indian dance and performance by local artistes.
In Selangor, worshippers arrived at the Sri Maha Mariamman in Section 7 and Kuil Sri Nagara Thendayuthapani in Klang from as early as 7am.
T. Kumar, 38, said he and family would begin the day at the temple on Deepavali before visiting family members and friends.
In Perak, Kallumalai Arulmigu Sri Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh, worshippers came in colourful traditional garments and brought garlands and fruits for the prayer.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu in his Facebook page expressed hope that the festival of lights would bring happiness and prosperity to all Hindu worshippers.
State-level Deepavali open house would be held in 10 districts until Nov 11, with the first organised in Bidor, followed by Selingsing, Titi Serong, Slim River, Hutan Melintang, Bagan Datuk and Selama.
In Sabah, about 1,000 people of different races and religions in the city attended the celebration organised by Sri Pasupathinath Alayam temple in Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu before being served with a light refreshments.
Among those present were Sabah branch Business and International Industry Chambers honorary adviser Brigadier-General (Rtd) Datuk A. Arulpragasam and deputy president Datuk Dr. K. Mathavan, who is also Sabah branch Hindu Sangam President.
Meanwhile in Kelantan, some 7,000 Hindu worshippers in Kota Baru braved the rain and attended the celebration with others.
Indian Physical and Culture Association Kelantan president Gandhiraja Perumal said the people opted for low-key celebration and practised prudence amid the uncertain economic outlook. –Bernama