Festivals

Malaysia, truly asia.

Here in Malaysia, we celebrate diversed cultures everyday, and on that one special day, we celebrate a festival. It could belong to the Malays, or the Chinese, or the Indians, or the Dayaks or any other races that houses in Malaysia for that fact.

Festival is the holy day, the day our respective religion summons us to celebrate and be joyful. The day that is significant to our religion and culture which we call a festival.

I am a malay, who celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri every year after a month of fasting. And during that month, we prepare for the next month (the festival month) with lots of sweets, and duit raya which is similar to Chinese's ang paw.

Because of the many religions and cultures in Malaysia, many festivals are conducted in a year. Consisting of Hari Raya Puasa for the Malays and Muslims, Chinese New Year for the chinese, Deepavali for the Indians and Christmas for the Christians.

But one the festivals that intrigues me the most would be Deepavali. Commonly known as the Festival of Lights, the celebration of Deepavali (or Diwali) marks the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over dark. (www.allmalaysia.com , 2010)

Deepavali came from the ancient hindu scriptures, and the one story that is told widely is of about Ramayana in which Lord Rama reunites with his wife Sita following a 14-year exile, and after having killed the demon king Ravana.

In the epic tale, the denizens of the kingdom of Ayodhya celebrated the prince's triumphant return to his homeland and later, his ascension to the throne, by lighting up their homes and the streets with earthen oil lamps.

This happened on the night of the new moon and is commemorated hence, as the celebration of Deepavali. However, the story of Lord Rama's victory over Ravana is only one out of many that is said to have given rise to this annual celebration.

One other popular tale remembered during the occasion is that of the battle between Lord Krishna and the evil asura (demon) Narakasura. Krishna emerged victorious after a long and drawn-out struggle, and his victory was celebrated with the lighting of lamps.

Yet others believe that Deepavali marks the day when the prideful and evil Mahishasura was vanquished at the hands of the goddess Kali.

Variations notwithstanding, these stories share a common thread; that of the removal of evil, to be replaced by that which is good.

This sense of renewal is reflected in the way Hindus prepare themselves for Deepavali. (www.allmalaysia.com, 2010)

This story to me is very beautiful, and during deepavali i always get mesmerized by the wonderful lights all over the city.

I can't wait to celebrate Deepavali this year because :
1. i love the lights!
2. I enjoy the food.
3. I can look at the pretty kolam designs.
4. I may get to wear the beautiful saree.
5. IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

:D

Much love,
Deanna