Hinduism is the religion of a majority of the Indians. About 10% of the Malaysian population originated from Southern India. Likewise the majority of them are Hindus. On 2nd November this year they will celebrate Deepavali, the festival of lights. This is a Malaysian national public holiday.
Deepavali, similar to the Chinese new year, does not take place on the same date each year on the Gregorian calendar. It occurs always between October and November. The festivities go for about 6 days.
There is the eve, where last minute shopping ist done.
Last minute shopping
Deepavali is Sanskrit for rows of lights which are placed the next day on their window sills, indoors and outside the houses while kolams are drawn with rice and coloured powder on the ground or at the threshold of their houses. The temples are spruced up too.
Monochrome and geometrical kolam
An elaborate and colourful kolam
A threshold kolam
The lights showed Rama and Sita their way home through the jungle after their 14 years of exile and Rama’s defeat of the demon King Ravana: the victory of good over evil or light over darkness. The doors and windows of their cleaned and lighted houses are opened so that Lakshmi, the goddess of happiness and good fortune can find her way in as she roams the earth on this day.
A simple row of lights
Tiered indoor lights
Another legend relates that Krishna put an end to Narakasura, a demon who terrorised the earth and had captured 16 000 princesses. Krishna naturally freed these prisoners.
There is a ritual oil bath before sun rises on the second day to rid themselves of their sins and past impurities.
The ritual oil bath
The men and women don new clothes for the festivities:
New kurtas for men
New saris
Special prayers ceremonies are held at the home altar and in the temples.
Priest praying in the temple
Festive traditional sweets like ladu, and savouries like vada and murukku are served.
Savoury vada
Murukku
Laddu – deepavali sweet
Children are given purple or yellow packets with money. (The Chinese packets are red). Open house is practiced in Malaysia to share the happiness among the family, relatives and the non-Hindu friends.
On the 5th day, siblings give each other presents as symbols of their love for each other.
Therefore Nenek offers in November a Deepavali Menu:
9th Offer in the Year of the Snake
When: Friday
Time: 19.30
Where: Oerlikon, 5 minutes’ walk from Oerlikon Railway Station
Aperitif
Starter – cabbage cream soup
Salad – mixed masala vegetables
Main course: achari lamb
G’s dessert
Tea or Coffee
CHF 100 per person (incl. 1/2 bottle of wine)
go to make-your-reservation