KUALA LUMPUR: Many Malaysian Indians will be looking forward to Deepavali festivities tomorrow but they are not the only ones.
For many Indians from other parts of the world, Deepavali in Malaysia is an exciting occasion, celebrated on a grander scale than in their own countries, including India.
Maya Samynathan from Chennai said Deepavali decorations here were more spectacular than in her hometown.
"There are so many sweets, cakes and biscuits that can be found here in Malaysia. The decorations here are nicer compared with those in India," she told the New Straits Times.
Suresh Kumar Nair from Johannesburg, South Africa, said he was thrilled to celebrate Deepavali in Malaysia with his mother and sister.
"In South Africa, the Indians are is olated, but here in Malaysia, you can just walk down the street and experience the vibrant festivities."
A Sydney resident who wanted to be known only as Veenita said she could not get enough of the Deepavali bazaar in Little India in Brickfields.
She has been visiting the area daily since arriving last week.
"In Australia, we don't have such bazaars. We only have them once a year. That's why I keep coming back here," she said, adding that she was impressed by the variety of goods at the bazaar, including traditional clothes and decorative items.
Jasveer Kaur from Punjab said she was amazed by the grand Deepavali celebrations in Malaysia.
"In Punjab, we start celebrating only three to four days before Deepavali, but in Malaysia, celebrations start 15 to 20 days ahe ad," she said.
Davin Singh, 29, also from Punjab, said the Deepavali atmosphere in Little India was fantastic.
"The atmosphere here makes me feel like I'm in India. I feel like I'm in my home country."