Deepavali Away From Home: Love, Sacrifice, New Experiences In Terengganu

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 20 (Bernama) — The distance of more than 500 kilometres was no obstacle for K. Lishamini, 30, to fulfil her duty as a caring sister when she travelled all the way from Johor to Terengganu to celebrate Deepavali with her younger sister, who was unable to return home due to study commitments.

This year’s celebration was even more special as the sisters visited the Sri Kailasa Nathar Alayam Temple here, allowing her and her younger sister, K. Nawmikah, 20, a first-year Marine Science student at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), to experience the joy and spiritual atmosphere of Deepavali despite being far from home.

Lishamini said her decision to make the long trip meant a great deal to Nawmikah, who had initially thought she would be spending the Festival of Lights alone on campus.

"Nawmikah couldn't go back home to Ulu Tiram, Johor, because she has night classes. So, my husband Serens Raj, 30, and I decided to come to Terengganu to be with her and celebrate Deepaval together.

"My parents couldn't come with me because they are working. Although the journey was tiring, all the exhaustion vanished the moment I saw my sister. I knew she missed the Deepavali atmosphere at home, and as her elder sister, I wanted to make sure she still felt the joy of the festival, even from afar,” she told Bernama here today

Meanwhile, Nawmikah said she was deeply touched by her sister’s gesture.

“I was a little sad at first because I thought I would be celebrating alone, but my sister and brother-in-law’s presence meant the world to me. I’m so grateful for their sacrifice in travelling all the way here. We also plan to go out for a meal together before I return to campus,” she said.

Elsewhere, three medical students from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) - S.Ramesh, 24, from Kuala Selangor, Selangor; S. Berewinse Kumar, 24, from Batu Kawan, Penang; and A.Kirthana, 24, from Puchong, Selangor - chose to remain in Terengganu to focus on their upcoming examinations, even if it meant celebrating Deepavali away from their families.

 "This is the first time I haven't gone home for  Deepavali. It's sad, but my main focus now is on my exams. The atmosphere here is very different compared to my hometown.

“There are many Indians in my village, but not as many here. Still, I accept it as a new experience...celebrating Deepavali in a different environment,” he said.

Ramesh added that after prayers at the temple, he and his friends planned to visit another friend’s house in Kuala Terengganu for a simple celebration.

Meanwhile, a family from Klang, Selangor, described this year's Deepavali as extra special as they chose Terengganu as their holiday destination, celebrating the festival in a fresh and unique setting.

L.Thamil Vanan, 63, said it was the first time his family celebrated Deepavali away from home, as they had previously been busy caring for elderly parents.

.  "After my parents passed away and our children became adults, we decided to take this opportunity to travel together. We had never been to Terengganu, so we wanted to make this Deepavali special and memorable. 

"We came here to try the local food, meet the people, and experience a different atmosphere...so our children and grandchildren can appreciate Malaysia’s cultural diversity,” he said.

His wife, G. Susila, 63, shared that the friendliness of the locals and the delicious traditional dishes made the experience even more meaningful.

 “We really wanted to try nasi dagang and keropok lekor. After the morning prayer ceremony for Deepavali, we planned to have breakfast and continue exploring Kuala Terengganu to enjoy the beauty of this city.

“This year’s Deepavali feels especially meaningful because we were able to celebrate with our children and grandchildren,” she said.

-- BERNAMA