arrives.

In Chinese homes, the

womenfolk get busy making cakes,
biscuits, glutinous rice cakes and
jellies which are stored away
carefully, out of the reach of young
children. Homes are spruced up,
new curtains sewn, and new
cushions and carpets bought to give
the home a new look. Red lanterns
are hung outside and new pots of
flowers and Mandarin orange plants
• Deepavali is celebrated in Malaysia by Hindus of Indian origin. It is the
festival of lights which symbolise the triumph of the good over the evil. It
usually falls in November yearly.Hindus celebrate Deepavali with all the
traditional customs. Weeks before the festival, Hindus start preparing
their homes and clean them up for the festival. New curtains are put up
and old furniture replaced. Traditional cakes, sweetmeats, biscuits and a
variety of special eats are prepared by the womenfolk. New clothes are
purchased for the family and everyone is gay and excited.
• Numerous lights are placed outside the home at the entrance, and it is a
beautiful sight to behold in the dark. Early on Deepavali morning, Hindus
start the day with a bath and put on fresh, new clothes. Girls put on
new frocks or skirts and blouses while the boys show off their new shirts
and pants. The elder folk visit the temple to offer prayers to God for his
mercies and blessings on the family. They then return home to have a
grand breakfast with curry, Indian pancakes, and hot coffee or tea. This is
followed by sweets and delicacies which are laid attractively on the table.
• Every year, after one month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa
which falls in the month of Syawal. All Muslims celebrate the day with
great joy. In the morning, they go to the mosque to pray. Then, on
returning home, they receive guests and relatives who come to pay them
a call.
• Days before, the womenfolk make many varieties of cakes, cookies and
sweetmeats. They also cook 'rendang' curries and prepare 'satay' to go
with the 'ketupat'. Homes are decorated with many coloured lights all over
the garden. Small lamps are lit and placed along the driveway.
• On Hari Raya Day, many Malaysians visit their Muslim friends to share
their joy. They receive warm hospitality and are entertained to a feast of
specially prepared food. Boys and girls wear new clothes and shoes. Girls
wear jewellery and boys new 'songkoks'.
• The town is usually crowded with Muslims dressed gaily and going about.
They visit their friends and relatives while some go to the cinemas or to
the Lake Gardens.