KOTA KINABALU: More than 3,000 visitors joined in the Deepavali celebration hosted by state Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) at the Sports Complex today.
Visitor Shania Justin, 20, said that she has been attending the celebration since she married three years ago.
"I never thought I will celebrate Deepavali as I am a Dusun.
"Although my husband, Rajani Paul, and I are from different backgrounds, but our families celebrate both Deepavali and Christmas Day," she said when met at the open house.
Present at the celebration were state Yang di-Pertua Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman and cabinet ministers.
Meanwhile, state MIC chairman Datuk V. Jothi said they hope to get more allocations for the Indian community in the state.
"We hope the state government will consider realising more activities for the community including building more temples.
"Existing temples also needs to be improved," he added.
An allocation of RM50,000 has been provided for the temple at Bukit Padang, RM20,000 Lok Kawi, RM50,000 Sandakan and RM30,000.
Over in KOTA BARU, the Siva Subramaniam Alayam temple in Jalan Hamzah attracted hundreds of Hindu devotees offering their prayers on Deepavali day.
Many started making their way to the temple as early as 8am and by noon, the number continued to rise.
Among those who visited the temple were three best friends, T. Shobana, 25; K. Kavinmithra, 22; and K. Yasodha from Kota Baru.
The three also brought along one of their friends Suzy Kan Siew Peng, 37, from Kuantan.
"We choose to come to this temple this year to offer our prayers in conjunction with Deepavali.
"Apart from praying for our healthy and also for a better life this year, we also prayed for our families," said Shobana.