Known as the Festival of Lights, the Hindu festival Deepavali is celebrated by all over the world and represents the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The Sanskrit word “Deepavali” literally means ‘rows of lighted lamps’, which explains the rows of lighted oil lamps (called diyas) that we see all around us during this festive season.
Here are some great ways to join in the festivities and introduce your families to the significance of this light-filled festival!
Content:
1. Upcoming Deepavali Celebrations and Buffets
2. Restaurants
5. Gift Sets for Family and Friends
1. Upcoming Celebrations and Buffets
Find all your Deepavali needs at these bazaars and markets, happening throughout the month of October.
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Blossom Deepavali, Sunway Velocity Mall
Visit Sunway Velocity Mall with the whole family and catch the month long Blossom Deepavali celebration! Win mystery gifts, admire a beautiful kolam which has been created together with the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), and have fun taking photos with an 8-foot tall peacock.
Date: 20th October to 19th November 2023
Venue: Ground Floor, Peel Entrance, Lingkaran SV2, Sunway Velocity, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
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21st Deepavali Carnival 2023, Bukit Jalil
Looking for a specific Deepavali product, but can’t seem to find it anywhere? Try taking a trip down to Bukit Jalil and visit Malaysia’s longest running and largest Deepavali carnival- it’s even won multiple awards over the years and found its way into the Malaysia Book of Records!
Date: 3rd November to 11th November 2023
Time: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Venue: Open Car Park B, National Sports Complex, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
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Hi Tea Buffet, M Resort & Hotel
Enjoy a high tea to celebrate Deepavali with with a specially crafted menu by the culinary experts of M Resort & Hotel! Do bring your extended family and friends to relish the traditional delicacies and contemporary favourites available on Deepavali afternoon itself, with a special buy 2 free 1 deal. Bookings can be made at 03 – 7773 7690 and spaces are subject to advance booking.
Date: 12th November 2023
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Price: RM165 nett per adult, RM83 nett per child (age 5 – 11 years old)
Venue: Jalan Damansara, Bukit Kiara, 60000, Kuala Lumpur
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Weekend Colors of Diwali Lunch Buffet
Get ready to indulge in the most delicious spread filled with traditional Northern and Southern Indian favorites at Hilton KL. The buffet spread will be available in the afternoon for two and half hours- ample time for you to fill up your tummies and go for your second and third rounds! Do make an advance booking here at least 1 day prior to your arrival or call the hotel directly at 03 – 2264 2264.
Date: 2nd to 15th November 2023 (Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday)
Time: 12.30pm to 3.00pm
Price: RM168 nett per adult; RM98 nett per child (6 to 12 years old)
Venue: Vascos, lobby level, Hilton Kuala Lumpur, 3, Jalan Stesen Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
2. Restaurants
What’s a festive season and celebration without good food? From royal fine dining restaurants fit for a king, to trusted establishments, here are a couple of restaurants to check out this Deepavali season.
Nadodi offers a cuisine inspired by the Kerala nomadic tribes of the southern lands of the sub-continent, infused with a creative flair and fine dining sophistication of the modern era. Voted as Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2021 and 2022, expect mouth-watering Indian dishes made by well preserved age-old traditional recipes and contemporary techniques.
Contact: 03- 2181 4334, 017- 296 9520
Hours: Monday to Saturday (6:00pm to 10:00pm); Closed on Sunday
Venue: Lot 183, 1st Floor Jalan Mayang, Off, Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Sagar has been around in the industry for more than a decade, bringing to us authentic fine dining Indian cuisine. It has now expanded into many hotels around Malaysia. The Sagar restaurant at Bangsar provides a cosy dining experience with tantalizing meals in an environment that is a luxurious reflection of old Colonial India.
Contact: 03-2284 2532
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (12:00pm to 2:00pm; 6:00pm to 10:30pm); Closed on Monday
Venue: No. 16, Lorong Maarof, Bangsar Park, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
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Deen’s
Indulge in the rich and diverse flavors of authentic Indian food at Deen’s Publika and indulge in over 40 dishes of mouth-watering Indian cuisine. The best part? There’s a playground situated right outside the restaurant for your little ones to run around when they get restless!
Contact: 012 – 346 1311
Hours: Everyday (10:00am to 10:00pm)
Venue: Lot 4A, Level G3, Publika Shopping Gallery, Solaris Dutamas, No. 1 Jalan Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Sri Nirwana Maju
It’s no surprise why this banana leaf restaurant located on Telawi street is always packed to the brim with long queues during peak hours. With consistent quality through the years, their no-fuss meals will keep you coming back for more. Do try their fried crispy brinjal (it’s part of the standard banana leaf set), which is guaranteed to become a favourite with the kiddos too!
Contact: 03-2287 8445
Hours: Thursday to Wednesday (11:30am to 11:30pm); Closed on Tuesday
Venue: 43, Jln Telawi 3, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Saravanaa Bhavan has its presence in 28 countries, and we can see why. This popular chain of restaurants serves up delectable vegetarian Indian food, maintaining its authenticity and taste by having most of their ingredients imported directly from India. Their affordable Indian dishes can be found in six branches across Kuala Lumpur. Simply pop over to the nearest branch to you for a quick and healthy Indian meal fix!
Contact: 03-228 71228 (Bangsar)
Hours: 8:30am to 10:30pm; 10:00am to 10:00pm (Suria KLCC and Central i-City Mall)
Venue: Bangsar, Suria KLCC, Lebuh Ampang, Brickfields, Central i-City Mall, Petaling Jaya
3. Deepavali Arts and Crafts
Get crafty with the kids and create your own Deepavali decorations to be placed around the house. Besides being a fun bonding activity, it also serves as a great opportunity to introduce your children to the culture and traditions surrounding this festive season.
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Make your own Kolam
The Kolam’s geometrical patterns are a symbol of auspiciousness, believed to drive away evil spirits and invite the Goddess Lakshmi into the household. Here are some fun ways you can try making your own Kolam with the kids at home:
Kolam with glue and rice:
Use white glue to trace over the black lines of the printed template and pour coloured rice over. Useful links for this craft:
- Printable Kolam template
- Printable Kolam by dots
- Purchase colourful rice here.
All-in-one DIY Kolam craft kits:
Choose your favourite design from these all in one convenient packs of sand art Kolam here.
No time to print out templates or purchase last-minute craft kits? Simply whip out your playdough kit and get your child to create their own mess-free playdough Kolam.
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Design a Deepavali card
Bring out the glitter, glue, scissors, and other craft supplies. Make a dazzling Deepavali card and have a blast sticking foam shapes and pipe cleaners onto your crafty creations!
Get the original tutorial here.
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Fold an Origami Diya
No possible fire hazards for this quick diya craft. Simply fold a rectangular piece of paper into an accordion/fan, and stick the two ends together. Cut out a flame with a folded small rectangular edge at the bottom to stick on to the diya. Decorate with sequins and you’re done!
Get the original tutorial here.
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Thread a Marigold Garland
These bright happy yellow flowers are often paired with mango leaves and adorn houses, temples and shops during Deepavali. Marigolds signify auspicious new beginnings and are also known as the “Herb of the Sun”.
Make a pretty marigold garland to be worn or to brighten up your home this Deepavali!
Get the tutorial here.
4. Books about Deepavali
These picture books serve as a great first introduction to kids about the significance of Deepavali.
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Amma, Tell Me About Diwali! by Bhakti Mathur (illustrated by Maulshree Somani)
An enjoyable read written in rhyme about the true reason behind the festivities. This tale covers the Ramayana and the story of the Goddess Lakshmi, ending with a beautiful moral that highlights the importance of honesty and hard work for kids.
Recommended Age: Ages 7 onwards
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Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar (illustrated by Nidhi Chanani)
A heartwarming story about young Binny, who explains to her class all about Deepavali celebrations. From delicious pedas and jalebis to clay lamp diyas, she enthralls her friends with the beauty of Deepavali.
Recommended Age: 2 to 7 years old
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Diwali (Celebrate the World) by Hannah Eliot (illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan)
This beautiful board book provides a simple introduction to the 5 days of Diwali for younger readers. Lovely illustrations show Diwali as a time for families to pray for a bountiful season, celebrate the special bonds between siblings, and rejoice in the victory of light over darkness.
Recommended Age: 2 to 4 years old
5. Gift Sets for Family and Friends
Giving certainly brings more joy than receiving! Double up your festive joy by having prettily packaged gift sets delivered right to the doorsteps of family and friends. Here are some beautiful gifts this year:
1 x Jar of Golden Spiced Muruku
1 x Jar of Crunchy Coconut Cookies
5 x Florentines in a Bright Potlis
6 x Harney & Sons Tea – Roobois Chai Tea Sachets
1 x La Maison Du Savon Soap
1 x Vibrant Diya
1 x Basket Adorned With Ribbon
1 x Greeting Car
- Plant Origins Diwali Bloomscape Gift Box: RM75 (members price)
Source: Signature Market
1 x Plant Origins Essential Oils Discovery Kit (1 set)
1 x Plant Origins Aromatherapy Portable Fan Diffuser (1 unit)
1 x Plant Origins Good Night Sleep Aromatherapy Room Spray (100ml)
- Sukha Deepavali Gift Set: RM85
1 x Square Kraft Box (19cm x 19cm x 9cm)
1 x Box of BOH Earl Grey with Tangerine (20 teabags)
5 x Beryl Chocolate in Tin Container
1 x 100g Mixed Muruku in Transparent Container
1 x Customisable Wooden Tea Cup
1 x Greeting Card
1 x small jar of Hearty Mix (200g)
1 x small jar of Apricots (260g)
1 x big bag of Murukku
1 x small bag of Pistachios (150g)
1 x small OBS Jute Bag
1 x personalised Deepavali greeting card
1x Box of Star Muruku
1x Jar of Vanila Chai cookies
1x Box of Masala Peanuts in purple container
1x Box of Organic Chamomile & Lavender Tea by English Tea Shop [20 Teabags]
1x Lavender scented candle
1x Lavender Gemstone soap
2x Floral decor
1x Fairy Light
1x Personalised Deepavali Greeting Card
1x Reusable brown box (size: 20cm x 20cm x9cm) OR 1x Pinewood Box (size: 25cm x 25cm x 8cm) adorned with faux flower, tied with ribbons (free logo/name engraving)
9 of the following tea blends:
SAPPHIRE GREY black tea
CEYLON BREAKFAST black tea
FORMOSA’S FINEST oolong tea
EMERALD MINT green tea
INNER PEACE tisane
May this Deepavali light up new dreams, illuminate our hearts and usher in everything bright and beautiful. Happy Deepavali to all our #makchicmumsquad who are celebrating this festive season!
