Guide
Deepavali in Malaysia, for newcomers
By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026
How Deepavali is celebrated
According to Tourism Malaysia, Deepavali — also written Divali — is celebrated by Hindus with prayers, family gatherings and festivities. In the days before, homes are cleaned to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, and shopping and cooking are musts.
On the day, small clay lamps filled with oil are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil, and kept burning through the night. Homes are decorated with colourful paper lanterns and kolam — an intricate design on the floor made from coloured rice, which takes real skill to create.
Source: Tourism Malaysia — Deepavali Open House, read 8 October 2026.
Open houses and temple visits
Like Malaysia's other major festivals, Deepavali is a time for visiting temples, friends and relatives — including the famous Malaysian open house, where families welcome visitors to share traditional food and sweets.
If a Hindu colleague or neighbour invites you, it's a warm gesture worth accepting. Dress neatly, greet your hosts, and enjoy the spread.
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Check my policyLittle India and the festive build-up
Tourism Malaysia points to Kuala Lumpur's two Little Indias — one in Brickfields and another along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman — as the best places to shop for saris, bangles and spices before Deepavali, and to soak up the festive spirit.
Brickfields is served by the KL Monorail, which makes an evening visit in the run-up to the festival easy. It's one of the best ways for a newcomer to feel part of Malaysia's multicultural calendar.
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