Deepavali 2025: Lights, Laughter and a Little Noise 🪔✨

Deepavali (or Diwali) is just around the corner, and Malaysians are getting ready for one of the brightest festivals of the year. This year it falls on Monday, 20 October 2025, which means a long weekend for most people. It is a public holiday in all states except Sarawak, and a perfect time to experience one of Malaysia’s most meaningful celebrations if you are new to the country.

What Deepavali means

Deepavali is known as the Festival of Lights. It celebrates light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. In Malaysia, most Hindus are Tamil, so the local story usually centres on Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura. In other parts of India, it is more about Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya. Different stories, but the same beautiful message.

In the days leading up to Deepavali, families clean their homes, decorate entrances with kolam (colourful rice art), light oil lamps, and prepare lots of food. It is also a time for visiting temples, giving thanks, and sharing joy with friends and neighbours.

How it is celebrated in Malaysia

If you walk through Brickfields, Klang, or Penang’s Little India, you will see streets filled with lights, colourful decorations and stalls selling sweets, garlands and festive clothes. Families dress in bright traditional outfits, and the smell of murukku, laddu and curry fills the air.

Many Malaysians open their homes to friends of all backgrounds, and you might receive an invitation to a Deepavali open house. If you do, say yes. Bring along a small gift or just your appetite. Remember to remove your shoes before entering, and dress modestly if you visit a temple.

About the fireworks

Every year, social media lights up not just with diyas and food photos, but also with comments from people with babies or pets who cannot sleep because of fireworks. The truth is, fireworks are not officially encouraged in Malaysia, but many people still play them, often late into the night. It is their way of expressing joy and marking the festival.

You might wonder why some fireworks happen at midnight. For many, Deepavali morning begins with early prayers and oil baths before sunrise, so the night before feels like a grand send-off to darkness before the light of a new day. It can be noisy, yes, but most Malaysians take it with a smile, knowing it is only once a year.

Why expats should join in

At Malaysian Link, we always encourage you to experience life the local way. Deepavali is not just a Hindu celebration. It is part of Malaysia’s shared identity, and it is one of the easiest festivals for newcomers to join because everyone is so welcoming.

You can:

• Visit a Deepavali bazaar and try traditional sweets.

• Watch people make kolam in shopping malls or temples.

• Light a small diya at home to mark the day.

• Say “Happy Deepavali” or “Selamat Hari Deepavali” to colleagues and neighbours.

• If invited, attend an open house and enjoy a feast.

These small gestures help you connect deeply with the people and culture around you.

A few practical tips

Traffic can be heavy around Indian neighbourhoods and highways on the eve and morning of Deepavali, so plan your travels early. Some restaurants and small shops may close for the holiday, while others will be packed with families celebrating.

If you are sensitive to noise, keep windows closed at night or use earplugs, as fireworks usually quieten down after midnight. Pets may appreciate some calming music too.

In the spirit of the festival

Deepavali is one of those occasions that perfectly reflects Malaysia’s soul. It is colourful, warm, and loud in all the best ways. Whether you are lighting a diya, visiting a friend’s home, or simply enjoying the holiday, take a moment to appreciate the message behind it all, that light always wins.

From all of us at Malaysian Link, we wish you a joyful, peaceful and bright Deepavali 2025.