KUCHING: As Hindus prepare to celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, the community in Sarawak believes the celebration’s message of light triumphing over darkness continues to mirror the state’s enduring harmony among its diverse people.
Chief Priest of the Hindu Temple Association Kuching, Pushparajan Muniandi, said that Sarawak’s racial and religious harmony remains an example of inclusiveness for the rest of the country.
Interviewed at the Sri Srinivasagar Kaliamman Temple at Jalan Ban Hock today, he noted that the cooperation and mutual respect shown by the state’s diverse communities have made religious celebrations in Sarawak more meaningful.
“I love Sarawak’s unity. There is no racism here,“ he said. “In my three years serving here, I’ve seen Malays, Chinese and Ibans coming together to help at the temple. Everyone gives respect and that is something very special about Sarawak.”
Pushparajan, who recently returned from Kuala Lumpur to oversee temple preparations, said final arrangements were underway for tomorrow’s celebration.
He said that the decorations, including garlands and a new dress for the temple’s main deity, had been brought from Kuala Lumpur due to limited availability of such items in Kuching.
“Even the goddess must wear a new dress on Deepavali,” he said, adding that kolam designs and mango leaf decorations would be completed tonight.
He said that the temple would also serve vegetarian meals such as sweet rice, tosa, idli, and nasi lemak to more than 300 devotees, including students and workers who could not return home for the celebration.
“Many Hindus here are far from their families. Since Deepavali is not a public holiday in Sarawak, we prepare food so that they can still celebrate together,” he said.
The special Deepavali prayer will begin at 7:00 am followed by a fire pot (vaelvi) ceremony in the evening to mark Amavasya, or the new moon day.
Pushparajan, who has served as a priest since the age of 15, said that the festival symbolises renewal and the triumph of good over evil.
“Deepavali is about removing negativity and starting a new life with blessings. It reminds us to appreciate light, goodness and peace,” he said.
He added that the peaceful coexistence among Sarawakians of different faiths remains one of the state’s greatest strengths.
“When our chariot goes out, people of all backgrounds show respect. There is no discrimination. This is the kind of unity that should continue,” he said.
