Welcome the Goddess of Wealth: A Grand Festival of Lights in Malaysia

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team

The Festival of Lights, a significant cultural event of Malaysia’s third-largest ethnic group—the Indian community—and also the most important celebration of the year, will enthusiastically begin in October. To experience the harmonious diversity of Malaysian multicultural society, a visit to the Festival of Lights will allow you to truly feel its unique charm in bringing people of all backgrounds together. Aside from the captivating culture, don’t miss the display of strength and skill—starting from November 3rd to 7th, the Malaysia Kenyir Lake International Fishing Tournament, held at Asia’s largest man-made lake, officially kicks off, followed by the world’s longest bridge marathon, the Penang Bridge Marathon, which will commence gloriously on November 16th. This year, it is expected to attract over 80,000 professional and amateur marathon enthusiasts from around the globe to take on the challenge.

Malaysia’s Third New Year Indian Festival of Lights Invites Multi-Ethnic Celebration
Malaysia is home to three major ethnic groups—Malays, Chinese, and Indians. Starting from October 22nd, the Indian cultural extravaganza—the Festival of Lights—will be celebrated with enthusiasm for five days. Deepavali, also known as the “Festival of Lights” or “Diwali,” is the most important festival of the year for Indians and Hindus, celebrating “driving away darkness with light and overcoming evil with good.” As the Festival of Lights symbolizes the start of a new year, Indians rise especially early on this day to perform an oil bath ritual before dawn, signifying the cleansing of body and mind. They then light oil lamps at home for prayers. People clean their houses, wear new clothes, and cook a variety of traditional delicacies such as curry chicken and mutton, biryani, and Indian snacks to welcome guests of different ethnicities.Malaysians of Indian descent also wear gold jewelry during the celebrations, traditionally believing that adorning gold can welcome the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi. It is believed to bring prosperity to the family under the goddess's blessing and ensure a great financial start.

Compared to other countries, Malaysia’s Festival of Lights stands out as the most distinctive celebration in the world, thanks to its rich ethnic diversity. During the Festival, Indians warmly invite friends of all races to their open houses to enjoy delicious Indian cuisine, adding a deeper sense of friendship and harmony to the occasion. To experience this mysterious and joyful Indian celebration, come join the Festival of Lights—a radiant celebration—and immerse yourself in the vibrant Hindu atmosphere across streets and alleys. Fully embrace the harmony and inspiration of Deepavali.

Fishing Tournament at the Largest Man-Made Lake Penang Bridge Marathon Ignites Your Competitive Spirit
Cruising on a houseboat on a tropical rainforest lake, enjoying the breeze and natural scenery, is a true delight. Located in Terengganu, Malaysia, Kenyir Lake is Asia’s largest man-made lake, and in November, a grand fishing tournament will commence here. Since its inception in 2012, this fishing competition has attracted more and more visitors eager to enjoy the thrill of freshwater angling. The Malaysia Kenyir Lake International Fishing Tournament tests participants’ patience and angling techniques, including bait angles. The fish caught are measured for length and weight, photographed, and then released back into the water to return to their natural habitat—making it a leisure activity that combines fun with environmental protection.