Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is the grandest holiday of the year for the Hindu community worldwide, including Malaysia. Deepavali public holiday in Malaysia is also called ‘Cuti Deepavali’.
In Malaysia, Deepavali is celebrated among significant Hindu community that observes the holiday mainly consisting of Tamils. It is a time when people go out with festivities; houses are cleaned and decorated with oil lamps and colourful rangoli. Hindu families come together to pray, exchange gifts, and indulge in traditional feasts.
Deepavali 2023 Malaysia Holiday
Deepavali holiday dates 2023
Here’s a quick glance at Deepavali dates for the years 2023:
| Year | Date | Day | Holiday | States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 Nov | Sun | Deepavali | National except Sarawak |
| 2023 | 13 Nov | Mon | Deepavali Holiday | National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak & Terengganu |
Please note, these dates may vary and it’s always a good idea to check for updates closer to the time.
Is there any extension of Deepavali holiday 2023?
Yes, there is an extension of the Deepavali holiday in 2023. This is because the Deepavali festival falls on a Sunday, so the following day, Monday 13th November, is observed as a public holiday to allow for continuous celebrations.
However, this extended holiday does not apply to the states of Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak, and Terengganu.
Which states in Malaysia do not observe Deepavali 2023?
Sarawak is the only state in Malaysia that does not observe Deepavali as a public holiday.
| State | Deepavali Holiday |
|---|---|
| Johor | Yes |
| Kedah | Yes |
| Kelantan | Yes |
| Melaka | Yes |
| Negeri Sembilan | Yes |
| Pahang | Yes |
| Penang | Yes |
| Perak | Yes |
| Perlis | Yes |
| Sabah | Yes |
| Selangor | Yes |
| Terengganu | Yes |
| Kuala Lumpur | Yes |
| Labuan | Yes |
| Putrajaya | Yes |
| Sarawak | No |
The primary reason for this is may be due to the demographic composition of the state. Sarawak is predominantly populated by the indigenous Dayak people, who follow either Christianity or traditional animistic beliefs. The state also has substantial populations of Chinese and Malay communities, who typically follow Buddhism, Taoism, or Islam.
Diwali is a significant festival for Hindus, Sikhs, and some Buddhists. However, these communities represent a tiny fraction of Sarawak’s total population. As such, Deepavali is not observed as a public holiday in Sarawak.
It’s also worth noting that public holidays in Malaysia are largely determined by each state’s government, taking into account the cultural and religious composition of their population. So, while Deepavali is a national holiday in most of Malaysia, the Sarawak state government may has chosen not to observe it due to its relatively small Hindu and Sikh communities.
Conclusion
Diwali in Malaysia is a vibrant fusion of culture and spirituality, with the festivities spilling out into the streets and public spaces, making it a unique experience for everyone, regardless of their cultural background.
The government recognises this important holiday, ensuring it is included in the list of public holidays in Malaysia, which shows Malaysia’s multicultural identity.