Politics · Malaysia Bureau
MIC leader urges use of 'Deepavali' over 'Diwali' in official decorations
The Malaysian Indian Congress has called on the Federal Territories minister to adopt the term 'Deepavali' in festive decorations, arguing it better reflects the linguistic and cultural heritage of Malaysia's Indian community.
LSN Malaysia ·
MIC leader Saravanan has appealed to the Federal Territories minister to use 'Deepavali' rather than 'Diwali' when referring to the festival in official decorations and communications across Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, and Putrajaya.
According to Saravanan, the term 'Deepavali'—derived from Sanskrit words meaning 'row of lights'—more accurately represents the linguistic and cultural background of Malaysia's Indian community. The distinction reflects the festival's traditional nomenclature within Indian cultural contexts.
The appeal highlights ongoing efforts by community leaders to ensure that official government recognition of cultural festivals uses terminology that authentically represents the communities celebrating them. The use of appropriate terminology in public spaces and government communications is seen as an important aspect of cultural representation and respect.
The issue underscores broader conversations about cultural naming conventions in Malaysia's multicultural society, where precision in language can carry significant symbolic weight for minority communities. Such gestures are viewed as steps toward more inclusive and culturally sensitive governance.