Deepavali Celebrations Across A Thousand Miles

Taylor's security guard, Chatri is one of the foreign workers that celebrates Deepavali.

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Deepavali, or Festival of Lights is celebrated widely by Indians across various continents around the world. Although this auspicious festival symbolizes victory of good versus evil, the occasion is mainly about celebrating blessings with loved ones. Different countries have different Deepavali traditions but for those that stay away from their homes and families, the festival is an entirely different experience altogether.

Nepalese security guard at Taylor’s University (TU), Rudradhal Dahal Chatri, 39, said that there are lots of similarities that can be found in Deepavali celebrations in Malaysia but there’s also notable differences.

“Back in Nepal, as the population is made up of 83% Hindus, Deepavali is hugely celebrated for five days straight which is unlike here in Malaysia, where it is only given one day public holiday,” he said.

As the holiday is celebrated with family members, Chatri admitted to feeling lonely as he is not able to be at their side for the festival due to work.

“Luckily I know how to cook my country’s own food.

“At least this way, I still have a piece of home with me,” Chatri said.

This sentiment is shared with Sanjay Khawas, 28, a fellow Nepalese who works as a janitor at TU.

“I don’t have time to celebrate Deepavali because even if it’s a holiday here, I still have to work to find money for my family who lives in Nepal,” he said.

Khawas added that although he doesn’t have time to celebrate it, he is happy to see the holiday being celebrated as joyously here as it is in his country.

School Of Hospitality And Culinary Arts student from Tanzania, Jay Pradeep Tank, 21, who came from an Indian background, also noticed the obvious differences between the celebrations held here and back home.

“In Tanzania, we have a lot of rituals that I haven’t seen practiced here in Malaysia.

“For example, on the morning of Deepavali, we pray to the goddess of books and knowledge.

“We also have a huge mountain of food which we distribute to the poor,” he said.

Tank added that in his country, they don’t have the snacks, savouries and sweet dishes served here.

“The whole Deepavali celebration is celebrated in a Southern Indian manner rather than in a Gujerati manner,” he said.

American Degree Transfer Program student, Farhin Farnaz, 18, from Bangladesh expressed her excitement for the festival as this would be the second time she would celebrate Deepavali in a foreign country.

“The first time I saw the fireworks burst in the sky, I was pleasantly surprised because the fireworks played here are quite wilder compared to the ones used in my country.

“Also, Kolam (a form of art made of colourful rice), which is typically created either with rice or powder back in Bangladesh, is created using a blend of both here,” said Farnaz.

Despite the differences in traditions and celebrations, Deepavali remains the most awaited celebration for the Indian community around the world, no matter where they are.

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