From Being Interrogated To Playing Fireworks: Msians Share Their Fave Deepavali Traditions

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“It would definitely be the fireworks for me. They make Deepavali the festival that it is.

“On the night of Deepavali, friends and family would all gather after dinner to light different types of fireworks. Adults would teach the kids who were old enough, the teenagers would be lighting the louder ones, and the neighbours would join in as well with their own ‘collection’.

“It’s always a merry affair and everyone would enjoy the light (and sound) show. And everyone has a personal favourite type of firework. The sparklers are mine, for its nostalgia more than anything.”

– Seetha

“Deepavali is about family. When I met my ex-girlfriend’s family for the first time, I remember it was pouring.

“I met her family in Jinjang and for people living in Kuala Lumpur, the very mention of the word ‘Jinjang’ brings to mind thick mustachioed men with tattoos. In short, you don’t want to mess with anyone who hails from Jinjang.

“I’ll remember that Deepavali because my ex brought out an umbrella, brought me in, and introduced me to everyone in the family. It felt like a scene from a Kollywood film.

“My ex’s philosophy is simple: If you marry me, you’re marrying my family. And vice versa.

“Her family poured drinks and began ‘interrogating’ me. They began asking difficult questions such as, ‘Why do you love Ista?’, ‘How would you make her feel secured?’, ‘How would you handle challenges in the relationships’.

“My ex-girlfriend now is my wife.

“My favorite Deepavali tradition is the coming together of families, the ‘makan makan’ sessions, and yes, the ‘interrogation’ sessions of potential new additions to the family. ;)”

– Sukhbir Cheema

“In the hustle and bustle of our lives as doctors and entrepreneurs, Deepavali is the time where we never forget to share the happy spirit with our fur babies from getting them their favorite snacks for Diwali.

“Not forgetting with the latest addition to our family this year, our son has to learn from young that this is his family too and family means love. Love to the ones close to us and our canine companions.”

– Dr Ravinpreet Aujla

“I am not a Hindu but something I always do with my second family is that they will help me drape my saree and I will, in return, help them host the Muslim guests during the festival.

“Our must-have dish is ayam masak merah, chicken curry, and thosai.

“Our parents are close too! Every celebration, we are there! Tomorrow, Khavia will be draping my saree and we will be busy for the whole day with food and guests!

“I learn Tamil because of them! And because they got me hooked up on Tamil movies!”

– Nurul Iman

“My grandma — who is in her late 80s, a very kind, quiet old lady — will become a dictator when Deepavali comes around because she will be adamant about having a Deepavali lunch or dinner (depending on her mood).

“We always tell her that she is old and really doesn’t need to stress herself out with cooking and all that. But she will just stare daggers at us when we say that. What can we do right?

“We obviously don’t want to fight with her. I’m Punjabi and not Hindu, so we don’t do all the cultural things.

“We celebrate it because it’s generally a big thing in India (where my grandma is from).”

– Tarvin Gill

“Deepavali every year was fixed for me.

“We’d all gather at my grandma’s house, have the time of our lives, and go home after.

“When she passed away, we felt lost. We wanted to get away from the sadness and instead started a new tradition of our own. We decided to go on a trip!!

“Here’s us before the pandemic. Can’t wait to travel again :’)”

– Suresh Yoganthram

“My favourite Deepavali tradition is to just sit back for once during the day and watch my grandparents talk about their youth and the things they did when they were younger.

“They were and still are very colourful people.”

– Savitha