A Festival that Illuminates Malaysia
As we get closer to the Festival of Lights, Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya are a riotous blur of colour, glittering lights and the sweet scent of festive scents cooling both your skin and palette. Deepavali – or Diwali – is a festival of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. However, in Malaysia, it is also the festival of togetherness.
It is also when oil lamps (vilakku) light up the streets, laughter and joy fills the atmosphere of homes, and you will be welcomed to join in the fun, irrespective of race and religion. Deepavali is both a festival of lights, or festival of colour, and the communal aspect of Deepavali in KL and PJ – it will not just be contained in homes or temples, but festival fervour and fun will have spilled into malls, eateries and on to the streets – being an inclusive experience for locals and tourists alike.
Image Credit: Free Malaysia Today
Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur — The Beating Heart of Deepavali
If you’re asking where to experience a Deepavali celebration in KL, nowhere comes close to Brickfields (Little India). The neighbourhood is a spectacular hustle and bustle a few weeks leading up to the celebration filled with lights and colours.
You can find stalls vying for your attention with a range of clothing items, including sarees, kurta sets, bangles, and garlands made of fresh jasmine here. The aromas of incense and fried murukku help guide shoppers from store to store to find the right clothing or gifts.
If you’re seeking out the bazaar for Deepavali preparations, you’ll want to check out Jalan Tun Sambanthan. Vendors attract consumers with scrumptious sweets like laddu, ghee balls, and gulab jamun, and are hanging colourful lanterns and creating kolam designs, and offering henna art as the street becomes a feast for the senses. As night falls, the streets become beautifully lit, and temples such as Sri Kandaswamy Kovil glow with lamps and prays, adding a layer of spirituality to the festivities.
Tip: Visit Brickfields in the evenings, the bright lights and racket of human activity give a real festival vibe, so does eating at Annalakshmi that serves hearty vegetarian food on a pay-as-you-wish basis, which speaks to the spirit and generosity of the festival.
Jalan Tengku Kelana, Little India Klang (PJ Vicinity) — A Shopper’s Haven
Although it is actually just outside the main city centre of PJ, Little India Klang is a must-see for anyone who wants to get into the pre-Deepavali spirit. The street is buzzing with energy, as families shop for sarees, gold jewellery, prayer items, and sweets. The backgrounds are buzzing with music — a cheerful mix of Tamil songs and festive classics.
In the weeks leading up to Deepavali, this area becomes a one-stop shop for everything festive. Whether you are looking for intricately-embroidered outfits from Vani Collections, aromatic incense from a local Indian grocer, or trays of murukku and omapodi to take home, Klang’s Little India has all of that.
Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and stay for lunch at Archana Curry House or Sri Paandi and enjoy banana leaf rice, piled high with curries and chutneys.
A Food Trail Worth Following
Food is central to every celebration in Malaysia and Deepavali is no exception. Whether you are looking for the sweet, the savoury or the spicy, KL and PJ is full of delicious places serving Indian flavours.
Banana Leaf Heaven
Sri Nirwana Maju (Bangsar) or Kanna Curry House (PJ) is popular for its fragrant curries and crispy fried chicken. Served on a banana leaf alongside rice, dhal and a selection of vegetables, you are encouraged to eat with your hands — the original South Indian experience!
Sri Nirwana Maju (Bangsar) Address: 43, Jln Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Kanna Curry House (PJ) Address: 29, Jalan 17/45, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Sweet Surrender
Pick up a box of laddu, mysore pak, or barfi from Moghul Mahal Sweets (Brickfields) or Anandham Sweets (Klang) — they are traditional confections that have been prepared for generations and make for ideal gifts or indulgences to have after your meal.
Moghul Mahal Sweets (Brickfields) Address: No 153, Jln Sultan Abdul Samad, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Anandham Sweets (Klang) Address: Jalan tali air, Jalan Tengku Kelana, 41300 Klang, Selangor
Vegetarian Feast
Enjoy a wholesome meal that feeds body and soul, at either Annalakshmi (Brickfields) or Ganga Café (Bangsar) since they serve fully flavoured vegetarian dishes that are usually delicious during Deepavali.
Annalakshmi (Brickfields) Address: 116, Jalan Berhala, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Ganga Café (Bangsar) Address: 19, Lorong Kurau, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Festive Experiences Ready For Your Next Instagram Post
Image Credit: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur
During the festive season, in the KL and PJ area, there are tons of Instagram opportunities and experiences.
- The twinkling lights and kolam set-up at Pavilion KL make for beautiful photos.
- The colourful arches and festive kit at Sunway Pyramid are bright, colourful and redecorated with traditional decor.
- The beautiful streetlights and lanterns from temples in Brickfields make for great night-time photos.
Pro tip: Wear bright colours (such as gold, magenta or turquoise) to match with the festive colours.
A Celebration of Unity
Deepavali in KL and PJ is not just a festival of lights — it’s a celebration of togetherness. It’s about families reuniting to share food together, friends trying flavours that are new to them, and communities welcoming and engaging with one another. Whether it’s walking the brightly lit streets of Brickfields, admiring an elaborate kolam at Pavilion, or enjoying banana leaf rice in PJ, every moment is a celebrating the spirit of the festival.
This year, don’t just observe the Deepavali festivities from a distance. Get outside, enjoy the lights of the festival, indulge in the flavors, and allow the spirit of Deepavali to fill you with warmth and joy!
Don’t forget to tag us @citykaki.life in your adventure shots!
Also read: Keretapi Sarong: A Celebration of Heritage on the Move
