Small clay lamps filled with oil are lighted to signify the triumph of good over evil, and the lights are kept on during the night. Homes are cleaned prior to the festival to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. And of course, shopping and cooking are musts. Colourful paper lanterns and kolam are also put up to decorate the home. The kolam is an intricate design on the floor made from coloured rice. The outcome is indeed amazing as much effort and skills are needed to create a colorful kolam. This is Deepavali Malaysian style. So of course it is celebrated by the whole country as a public holiday.

Deepavali or Divali or the 'Festival of Lights' is celebrated by Hindus with prayers, family gatherings and festivities. Open houses are held where family and friends visit each other and enjoy delicious traditional goodies. After your trip to Little India (There are two in the heart of KL, one located in Brickfields and another along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman), for the best choice to shop for saris, bangles and spices for Deepavali, as well as to soak up the festive spirit; honour this Hindu festival by visiting your loved ones and celebrate one of the most important festivals of the year of the faith. Just like most major celebrations by other communities, Deepavali is a time for visitations to temples and friends and relatives, including the famous Malaysian Open House.