KUALA LUMPUR: Deepavali, also known as Diwali, holds profound significance for those who celebrate it, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and the renewal of hope and spirituality.
Amidst the vibrant streets of Little India, many were seen shopping for their Deepavali celebrations with their families and loved ones.
This year's Deepavali holds special excitement for 21-year-old student, Vimala, as there will be a newborn baby at her cousin's house in Rawang.
Celebrating the occasion in Rawang, where her cousin resides, Vimala and her siblings have been busy shopping in Little India, Brickfields.
"For me, the other family members are usually busy with their own stuff, but now since it's Deepavali, we get to be together as a family and eat together.
"We get to spend time, talk and even play with each other," said Vimala.
Meanwhile, human resources manager Harpreet, 30, who is celebrating in Kuala Lumpur this year, wholeheartedly believes that Deepavali is all about being grateful and celebrating the little things in life with her family.
When asked if there were any substantial differences in this year's Deepavali compared to the pandemic period, she explained that she didn't observe any significant changes, particularly because she was already living with her family during that time.
"Well, during the pandemic I was with my family, so that was already like being surrounded by lots of love and you know, togetherness.
"So I mean now after the pandemic, it's also the same thing. I think it's all about family and you know, the love of going back (to see family), it is a festive period. I think for me, it's that," said Harpreet.
Furthermore, Saravanan, a man in his forties who sells incense sticks in front of a 'puja ghar' (Hindu prayer altar) expressed that Deepavali is important in making his three children happy.
At the same time, he hopes and dreams to grow his incense stick business, for this year's Deepavali.
"During the pandemic, we couldn't celebrate Deepavali but this time we can do so wholeheartedly.
"For me Deepavali is to make my kids happy and fill them with good memories. I don't have any bigger challenges. Whatever I get I will celebrate with that.
A couple from Sri Lanka who came to Malaysia on a work trip were seen shopping for Deepavali decorations for their office.
Shopping with his wife, Yeewajiver, 40 excitedly explained that as a foreigner he was excited to experience Deepavali in Malaysia for the first time this year.
"For me, as per my knowledge, it's (Deepavali is) about peace and celebrating our family gathering.
"It's a once in a year celebration and it's basically lighting candles and many decorations and about food, special foods.
"So it's kind of a moment like that… where we share gifts with family and friends at gatherings. So that's how we celebrate," said Yeewajiver when interviewed by the New Straits Times.