DEEPAVALI which is popularly referred to the “Festival of Lights” is a Hindu festivity symbolising the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance and is a seen as a major celebration in melting pot Malaysia.
Henceforth, some Malaysians are non-plussed that certain malls and businesses seem more keen on promoting Halloween rather than celebrating Deepavali.
This was highlighted across social media as the festival approaches on Nov 8 with netizens of all faiths asking some barbed questions.
Threader Davveen Vasudev (@davveen_vasudev) could not hide his disdain at misplaced priorities of politicians.
“While Indian politicians are busy debating the inconsequential distinction between Diwali and Deepavali, including the Deputy National Unity Minister, Malaysians are busy calling out shopping malls that have no Diwali decorations” he lamented.
“Our politicians are caught up debating terminology while the public is concerned with visibility, representation and inclusion in everyday Malaysian life.”
This concern that Malaysia is losing its multi-cultural identity amid the spread of foreign celebrations such as Halloween was highlighted by content creator Chinepaiyen (@chinepaiyenofficial) who singled out MyTOWN Cheras mall as a prime offender.
Highlighting the mall management’s seemingly unconcerned attitude towards Deepavali, the irate influencer claimed the shopping destination seemed more interested in promoting Halloween with its House of Vampires theme that apparently ran for a month (Oct 1- Nov 1).
It was highlighted with even images of other major celebrations such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and Christmas received grand treatment with decors aplenty adorning the entrance and concourse areas of the MyTOWN Cheras mall.
Contrast that with the dull and dispiriting looking décor (from last year) that was put up by the shopping complex for Deepavali which was drowned out by the Halloween items, claimed this non-plussed observer.
Emphasising that neighbouring Ikea, a Swedish brand, had its Deepavali decorations up since Sep 26, it was insinuated that it is embarrassing that a Malaysian-owned establishments need reminding about celebrating Deepavali with proper grandeur.
“Does Malaysia want malls such as MyTOWN?” he pointedly asked. “Claim to be Malaysian but don’t treat festivals like Deepavali with equal respect.”
Just to emphasise that MyTOWN Cheras was not alone, this intrepid Threader ventured to popular Petaling Jaya shopping destination – 1Utama – which had been previously highlighted as having among the poorest mall decorations for Deepavali in previous years.
Alas, a recent visit yielded disappointing results yet again to this Threader’s eyes with Deepavali playing second fiddle to the ever-favourite Halloween theme.
Boycott errant malls
Enquiries at the mall’s information counter about when Deepavali décor was going up was met with an unsatisfactory “I don’t know”. Even more shocking was the staffer’s apparent cluelessness as to actual date for Deepavali this year!
That’s when some on social media suggested using the power of boycott to teach these errant malls a lesson.
“After all, there is no holiday in Malaysian calendar for Halloween. There is one for Deepavali” was the common sentiment here.
Few things to note.
This isn’t a new issue. Every year, many shopping malls’ public relations and marketing departments become tone deaf to this vehement criticism by Malaysians from all walks of life over this blatant disregard for a major Malaysian festival.
Secondly, this isn’t a question of ‘demographics. It is about inclusivity and celebrating what makes Malaysia unique. It is not a call to ban Halloween décor but rather to give a cultural festival that is deeply rooted in this country higher visibility than Jack O’Lantern.
Thirdly, it is refreshing to see Malaysians from all backgrounds rally behind this commonsense call for inclusivity and fair representation.
As highlighted by some, it is not difficult to do. It adds colour, vibrancy and a truly uniquely Malaysian flavour to any shopping experience regardless of what background the visitor may be. Isn’t it about time that these errant malls learn a thing or two?
FocusM wishes all Hindu readers Happy Deepavali. – Focus Malaysia
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