Kota kinabalu: The celebration of Deepavali in Sabah drew together people from different races and religions at the Sri Pasupathinath Alayam temple, marking a harmonious gathering despite the distance from Peninsular Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, approximately 15,000 Indians reside in Sabah, with 3,000 located in the capital city, including students from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). This year, UMS provided three buses to transport around 250 to 300 Indian students to the temple, allowing them to partake in the festivities with the local community.

Assoc Prof Dr Balan Rathakrishnan from UMS’s Faculty of Psychology and Social Work highlighted the initiative’s significance, emphasizing that it enables students who could not travel home to experience Deepavali with the Indian community in Kota Kinabalu. He noted that students feel a sense of homecoming through the lively celebration and traditional Indian dishes served at the temple.

The event saw the attendance of notable figures including the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, alongside other local leaders.

UMS student Andrita James, pursuing a Bachelor of Communication, shared her experience of celebrating Deepavali in Sabah, which, although different, remains meaningful despite the Indian community’s minority status. Meanwhile, Janani Somaiya, a Bachelor of Psychology student, expressed that her first Deepavali away from family was made special by the temple visit, providing a familial atmosphere.

Dr Deviani Perumal, a dentist and the temple’s secretary, remarked on the inclusive nature of the celebration, attracting around 800 to 1,000 attendees annually. She described the tradition of morning prayers and the serving of various traditional Indian foods to guests of diverse backgrounds, enhancing the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.