With Deepavali just a few days away, Indians around the globe have geared up for the celebrations not just in terms of the prayers, but also the food and the decorations.
Similar preparations are also ongoing in Malaysia but many locals have recently voiced out against 1 thing – the public places, including shopping malls, are prioritizing Halloween decorations over Deepavali.
It’s ghouls over the festivals of lights.
A Facebook user recently shared what was on her mind when Halloween seems to be dominating public places in Malaysia when Deepavali is more relevant to the hearts of Malaysians.
“Since when was Halloween our culture? Hello it’s Deepavali season, not Halloween!”
The user wrote the remark, hoping to spread awareness about respecting the cultures in Malaysia, especially in taking care sensitivity of those who celebrate the festival of lights.
“Trying hard to be Mat Saleh”
Social media users were also baffled to see public places in Malaysia going all out for Halloween decorations, and many are calling for Deepavali decorations to be prioritised while we still have time.
“They’re so busy enjoying the ghouls but when they see paranormal activities, they run. Stupid.”
“Many Malaysians are trying hard to be Mat Saleh but they still eat with their bare hands,” said another user.
One user commented, “It’s October. Malls should be decorated with Deepavali celebrations, not Halloween. Deepavali is the culture of Malaysia.”
“Why do our malls prioritise Halloween sales and decorations? They should celebrate Deepavali, which is much closer to the hearts of Malaysians. I don’t get the significance of Halloween in Malaysia. It’s a foreign culture.”
To our Indian friends, how are your preparations going so far?
Also read: “I’m not coming back” – Tourist from China is Upset Over the Lack of Chinese Signage in Malaysia