Deeper value this Deepavali

THE phrase ‘Less is More’ perfectly fits this year’s Deepavali celebration as we are still combating the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

As much as it is an annual routine to celebrate such festivals on a large scale, this time around, several Penangites have opted to mark the occasion by prioritising quality over quantity.

 

As cliché as it may sound, less can be much effective than a large or excessive amount, as they tend to sustain a greater attention span and add unimaginable values.

 

Deepavali falls on Nov 14 this year.

 

Deepavali decorations on point in a shop near Lebuh Pasar

 

Naveen Prabhu, a Penangite, expressed concerns over limitations he might face during this Deepavali, but remains optimistic that this year’s festival of lights might just be the light to spark greater things in life.

 

“What excites me the most about Deepavali are new movies in the cinemas. Being a hardcore movie fan and an aspiring filmmaker, it pains me that this year I am going to have to survive the festive season without watching any movies in the cinemas.

 

Naveen during 2019 Deepavali

 

“On the other hand, my family and I are preparing for a rather quiet celebration this year by taking a break from the usual culture of inviting guests and serving mouthwatering dishes.

 

“Well, that doesn’t mean my mum would not be cooking my favourite dishes like ‘dosa’, ‘idli’, biryani rice, chicken and mutton curries. I can still expect a feast at home during Deepavali this year,” Naveen added.

 

Naveen is also a die-hard Rajinikanth fan, an Indian actor who has ruled the Tamil cinema for years now.

 

Rajinikanth, better known as a ‘Superstar’ among his fans and others, is a dominant figure in the entertainment industry and has earned such stardom purely by his own efforts.

 

A customer checking out bangles

 

For Pradivya Gopal, this year’s Deepavali celebration will limit her from visiting friends and families afar.

 

“Any festival is a beautiful festival. What is a festival without visiting friends and families? Well, it feels just weird to not be able to carry out usual activities, but safety and security of all are of utmost importance now.

 

Divya dressed in saree

 

“I often get caught up late at work, which denies me the opportunity to spend quality time with my parents at home. Now, with fewer people around, we are just going to have a splendid time together,” Divya said during an interview session with Buletin Mutiara.

 

Lebuh Pasar

 

Meanwhile, Surendran, a factory worker, has decided to shop within a specific budget during this festive season as his company has stopped offering overtime.

 

“I always look forward to OT money during Deepavali so that I can spend more than usual to get brand new clothes and other things I wish to have.

 

“But now that I will not be able to do so, I have to spend wisely and only get what is necessary. It is saddening, but nevertheless, I wish everyone a safe celebration at home with your loved ones,” Surendran said during an interview.

 

Suren (left) with his family members all dressed up in traditional Indian wear performing prayers in a temple

 

Similarly, a buzzing Little India during past festive seasons has become rather quiet this year.

 

ARR Boutique owner R. Thanaraj, said Deepavali this year would be celebrated and remembered for a very long time and would go down memory lane, for a reason unfavourable to many.

 

“I have not seen my regular customers for a very long time, but the situation is such and we all have to cope with it.

 

The famous Indian sweet ‘Laddu’

 

“Let us all just continue to pray and hope that this day too will pass, and things will return to normal very soon,” said Thanaraj during an interview session.

 

ARR Boutique sells a range of colourful and eye-catching traditional Indian attires such as Punjabi suits, sarees and the famous men’s wear known as ‘jippa’.

 

The shop has been operating for 10 years now.

 

Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud