Getting Ready For Deepavali In Malaysia

Every fall, Indians celebrate Deepavali, or Diwali, known as the festival of light. Think Christmas for Hindus, a season of family celebration, gift-giving and parties. Malaysia has a large Indian population and it takes its Deepavali seriously. Time to get prepping.

In the Indian neighborhoods of Kuala Lumpur, stores expand into the street, turning shopping into a lively bazaar experience.

Staples of Deepavali, colored rice to use to make a kolam and fireworks (or popping things, since fireworks are banned in Malaysia).

For house decorations, you gotta pickup some festive paper cut-outs.

Maybe also grab a few classic sculptures. A relaxing Ganesh is an easy impulse buy. Just like in the US, some of the biggest movies of the year play during the holiday. Get some snacks and soak up some Bollywood.

Honoring various deities is part of the holiday and is known as performing a puja. A big part of the ritual is elaborate flower leis, all hand strung.

You also need your fancy Deepavali clothes, especially for the kiddies. Snazzy. Wait, how'd that boring Orang putih (white man) get on that regal sign?

And then there's the food, it's always all about the food. Huge feasts, topped with endless, sweet desserts.

Get your supplies and bring on Deepavali!

Rumah Penghulu Abu Seman House

Right in the heart of modern Kuala Lumpur is a great example of a traditional Malaysian house. It was built in a few stages between 1910 and 1930 and belonged to the local headman of Mukim Bagan Samak, a village in the northern state of Kedah. The house was moved to Kuala Lumpur in the 1990s by a local NGO that promotes cultural preservation, Badan Warisan.

The house. Planted among the sprouting skyscrapers, a nice respite to the modernity march.

Office, a later addition. Posts and beams are fitted with specific colors of textiles, both for style and a tight seal.

The living room, main area, dressed up for a wedding reception ceremony. It doubles as a sleeping area. Grab a mat and have a snooze.

Roof tile. Interesting tidbit, you only have one person install the roof. The tiles, when wet, are bent around the person's thigh, meaning each tile has to be that exact size/curve. Multiple tile guys, mis-fitting tiles, leaky roof. Dining area. Since you sit on the floor, the windows are low, letting you see what's going on outside. All clever designs borne of experience.

Bedroom, reserved for family elders. You need to earn your way off a sleeping mat.

Children games. Marbles are for girls. They play in the house, make noise, letting mother know they're where they are supposed to be. Sneaky. Kitchen cupboard.

Outside plant with egg shell ends. More clever action. Eggs on during the day so kids don't injure themselves. Eggs off at night so bandits do.