LOW-INCOME Hindu families are hoping that this year’s Deepavali will herald the start of better things to come.

After two years of muted celebrations amid Covid lockdowns, families living in the low-cost flats in the Klang Valley are optimistic of a new beginning.

They told The Malaysian Insight Deepavali will be merrier this year despite them still suffering from the hardships induced by the pandemic.

“We as a family are looking forward to this Deepavali very much because we see it as a new beginning as things go back to normal,” said 45-year-old Murugan Periasamy.

Murugan and his family live at the Desa Mentari flats in Sunway, Selangor. He said while they cannot afford to buy new clothes for the festival this year, they are happy to make do with what they have.

“I am grateful that several civil society groups have helped us with food items to cook for Deepavali,” he said.

Murugan and his family are also doing their part to help their poorer neighbours.

“We have decided to give Indian snacks to the other families living here as we have received help from groups,” he said.

This, he said, is what Deepavali is all about.

“So we have no complaints. We are grateful for the help we have received and find joy in giving to the other less fortunate residents here,” Murugan said.

Another Hindu who is looking forward to this year’s celebration is 54-year-old Muniandy Velu, who lives at the Intan Baiduri low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur.

He said despite the hardships his family have had to face, they are still looking forward to Deepavali.

“My wife and I were laid off during the pandemic.

“I used to be a van driver but since everyone started working from home, they no longer needed me,” he said, adding his wife had lost her job as a part-time maid.

Muniyandi currently works at a grocery store.

He said his family of four may not have the best Deepavali but they hope it will be the beginning of something good.

“I could only afford to buy new clothes for my kids, but not for my wife. Hopefully my situation will improve by next Deepavali.”

Premla Shankar, 45, who works as a cleaner, said her family have been looking forward to Deepavali.

Her mother lives in Penang and had contracted the virus several months ago. The family could not visit due to the interstate travel ban.

“This Deepavali we will be in Penang with her,” said Premla, who lives in Kuala Lumpur.

On Monday, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob reminded Malaysians celebrating Deepavali to continue complying with the public health orders to protect themselves and their loved ones. – November 4, 2021.