KIDPROJ MCC: Deepavali

A Page From the KIDPROJ Multi-Cultural Calendar
Deepavali - Malaysia
by Nesha "Joanne" Siva

Floating Date in November

Annual Date: 94/11/03 : 95/10/23 : 96/11/10

Hi, Kids !

Deepavali is the Festival Of Light. It is celebrated by Hidus all over the world. The Festival signifies the triumph of brightness over darkness, good over evil, justice to fight humanatarion and intelligence over ignorance.

The celebration is held between the month of October and November every year. This year, this auspicious day will be celebrated on the 23rd of October.

In the Hindu community, there are various believes. The Northern Hindus believe Deepavali is celebrated to commemorate the return of the Lord Sri Rama to Ayudhya and the defeat of Rawana by Rama, the symbol of goodness as depicted in the Hindu Classics, "Ramayana".

While Hindus in the South celebrate the occasion to remember the victory of Lord Krishna over evil Naraksura. In the contrary, there are others who believe it should be celebrated for Lord Laxmi because the significant of light has something to do with Her.

The Hindus would prepare numerous traditional cakes and sweets for the day, among them are "murukku", "omopadi", "athirrsam", "achi murukku", "laddu" and "mysore pahu". These are made a few days before Deepavali.

The traditional Hindus would start the day by having oil bath before sunrise and saying prayers and wear new clothes, go to the temple or pray at home. This is followed by a show of respect to the elders. They also distribute cakes and sweets to their neighbours and friends and many have "open house" for their non-Hindu friends.

FROM : NESHA "JOANNE" SIVA,
SEKOLAH MENENGAH BUKIT BANDARAYA,
BANGSAR, KUALA LUMPUR,
MALAYSIA.

(Originally submitted to KIDCAFE, ABOUT: section, 95/01/17)

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