Kuching:Despite the relatively small Hindu population in Sabah and Sarawak, Deepavali celebrations today brought together people from diverse backgrounds, reflecting a strong spirit of unity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Department of Statistics Malaysia estimates that Sarawak has about 5,000 Indians, accounting for 0.2 percent of its 2.53 million population, while Sabah has around 6,000, or 0.2 percent of its 3.77 million residents, based on 2026 data.

This year's celebrations were a different experience for serviceman R. Ruhthiran, 20, as he celebrated the festival away from his family in Klang, Selangor, for the first time. Stationed in Sarawak, at Penrissen Camp in Kuching, the second of five siblings noted that being away from his family was part of the demands of military service. Ruhthiran expressed gratitude to his seniors for helping him locate a temple, making it easier to fulfill his religious obligations.

For Kuching resident Pramod Kumar, 67, Deepavali remains a meaningful occasion, though celebrations are more modest due to the state's relatively small Hindu population. He explained that the day typically begins with prayers at the temple, followed by a family gathering to celebrate Deepavali and seek blessings.

In Sabah, people of various ethnicities and faiths gathered at the Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Temple in Kota Kinabalu to join in the festivities. First-time visitor Geoffrey Lo, 50, expressed excitement over experiencing the celebrations and enjoying the food.

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is scheduled to attend the 2026 Deepavali gathering at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) at noon today.