KOTA BARU: Devotees in Kelantan today celebrate Deepavali in a grand ceremony after the muted celebrations of the past two years.
Dressed in their new clothes — men wearing dhoti or kurtas, and women and children in silk sarees and punjabi suits — worshippers were seen entering temples in several districts in the state.
Many devotees were seen thronging the famous Siva Subramanyar Alayam temple in Jalan Hamzah here.
The temple's deputy chairman, Jeya Balakrishnan, said he visited the house of worship with his nine family members, including three grandchildren, about 11am.
"It has been our tradition to offer special prayers on Deepavali morning before we head for the open houses organised by friends and family members.
"This year's Deepavali is celebrated on a grand scale as things have returned to normal following the Covid-19 pandemic," said Jeya, who is from Kubang Kerian.
He said the open house visits were the most interesting activity as one would get to taste a wide variety of delicious Indian cuisine.
"Visitors will usually be served with sweets and cookies, including the traditional Indian murukku."
Checks at the temple today showed that nearly 50 Hindus from Kelantan and nearby states gathered at the house of worship as early as 10am.