FOR the Gujaratis, the celebrations start a good two days before Deepavali, or Diwali as they call it, and continue well into the new moon, which is about two weeks later.
According to Datuk Bhupatrai Shah, president of the Gujarati Association of Wilayah Persekutuan and Selangor (GAWPS), the Gujarati community in Malaysia will celebrate the festival of lights on Oct 23, as per calculations in the Gujarati calendar.
Two days before Diwali (the 13th day of the old moon) houses are cleaned and special prayers are offered to the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
On that day, Gujaratis, who originate from the western Indian state of Gujarat, make it a point to buy precious metals, usually gold bars, to bring them prosperity and good health.
“After cleaning our houses, tying mango leaves at the front of the house at an auspicious time and buying gold, prayers are offered at the temple.
“Then we kick off celebrations by having cultural performances, singing and dancing at the temple,” says Bhupatrai.
On Diwali eve, Gujarati women make oil lamps from urad dhall flour, light the lamps, offer prayers at home and then place the lamps at either a t-junction or crossroads.
“By leaving a lit oil lamp at a junction, we are removing the negative energy from the house and ushering in positive energy.
“This is done to receive God’s blessings and to allow wealth to flow into our homes. The elders will lead family prayers.
“Gujaratis are vegetarian, as they have been for generations.”
On Diwali morning, rangoli (or kolam as the south Indians call it) — a colourful design made from rice or flour — is made at the entrance of the house to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi and guests.
While the women are busy getting the rangoli and festive dishes ready, the male elders of the house will conduct prayers and pooja, with five types of offerings — flowers, spices, mung beans, a block of tamarind and brown sugar.
The highlight of the Diwali pooja, after the family lunch, is the writing of the preface of the “family” book with words of business wisdom, and ethics and verses from Lord Ganesha’s prayers.
The elders will usually eat sweets and say a prayer before writing the preface. In the words written, we must explain exactly what we want from God and once done, fruits, flowers and spices are placed on the book,” said Bhupatrai.
Later in the day, Brahmin priests will visit Gujarati homes to offer prayers and blessings.
After prayers, the youngsters will seek the blessings of the elders by touching their feet. The young ones also receive ang pow from the older generation.
On the Gujarati New Year, which is the day after Diwali, the entire household is expected to be up by 6am and offer prayers at home before starting business for the day.
“Businesses are open on the Gujarati New Year, and the first sale, or bonni, is important.
“Since we have to work, everyone takes turns to go to the temple for prayers and to wish our family and friends Saal Mubarak, which is happy New Year in Gujarati.
“Most Gujaratis will have two sets of new clothes; one for Diwali and the other for New Year.
“On New Year’s Day, we have at least 56 dishes, both sweet and savoury, offered during prayers at the temple.”
After prayers at the temple, families would go home to whip up sumptuous meals for gatherings.
Male family members are then required to visit their married female siblings at their homes.
“It is compulsory for us to ensure familial bonds remain strong.
“We must make time to visit our married sisters and celebrate the festivities with their husband’s families.
“The celebration will continue til the end of the new moon, with our friends and family,
“But after the first two or three days, it will be scaled down, as we will be busy with work,” said Bhupatrai.