KOTA KINABALU: Nora Martin, 43, joined her family today in attending their first Deepavali celebration at the Sri Pasupathinath temple.
A Sabah Cultural Board staff member, Nora came with her six-year-old daughter, Ranielle Ryan, and her husband, invited by the Sabah Indian Association.
"Though it was our first time, my daughter is already familiar with different ethnicities and cultures because I always bring her along to festivals and cultural events," she shared.
"She usually dresses for the occasion, like wearing traditional attire during the Kaamatan harvest festival. Unfortunately, we didn't have Indian attire for this celebration."
Nora added that her family valued the experience.
"We came as guests to show support and join in. Just as our Indian friends celebrate Hari Raya with us, it's wonderful to share in this spirit of unity."
Temple president Datuk Dr K. Mathavan said the open house, held every year, expects about 800 attendees this year, including ministers and senior civil servants, at their Deepavali breakfast from 8.30am to 11am.