Deepavali (Festival of Lights)
Little India glows with oil lamps and kolam patterns as Penang's Hindu community celebrates the Festival of Lights with temple prayers, open houses, and traditional sweets.
Deepavali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, transforms Penang's Little India on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and the surrounding streets into a dazzling display of oil lamps, kolam (colourful rice flour patterns), and flower garlands. The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and in Penang's multicultural setting, it is celebrated with an openness that welcomes visitors of all backgrounds to join in the festivities.
In the weeks leading up to Deepavali, Little India buzzes with shopping activity as families purchase new clothes, sweets, and decorations. The streets are strung with lights and banners, and the fragrance of jasmine, rose garlands, and incense fills the air. On the day itself, Hindu families light oil lamps at dawn, visit temples for prayers, and host open houses where traditional sweets like murukku, laddu, and gulab jamun are shared with friends and neighbours of all races.
The Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple on Queen Street and the Nattukotai Chettiar Temple on Jalan Kebun Bunga are the two main temples for Deepavali prayers in Penang. Both are beautifully decorated and packed with devotees. For visitors, attending a Deepavali open house is one of the best ways to experience Malaysian hospitality, and walking through Little India during the festival is a sensory feast of colours, sounds, and flavours.
Insider Tips
- 1Walk through Little India in the evenings during the week before Deepavali for the best shopping and atmosphere
- 2Visit the Sri Mahamariamman Temple early morning on Deepavali day for the main prayer ceremonies
- 3Accept invitations to open houses -- it is customary to welcome guests with food and sweets
- 4Try traditional Indian sweets like murukku and laddu sold from street stalls throughout Little India
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When
October - November (follows Hindu calendar)
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Where
Little India, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling