KUALA LUMPUR: After two years of subdued celebrations nationwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the air is filled with excitement this Deepavali.

       Hindus are celebrating the occasion in a livelier atmosphere this year as they now have the opportunity to return to their hometowns and meet family and friends.

       Clad in traditional colourful attire, they have adapted to the new norms to curb the spread of the pandemic by adhering to the standard operating procedures.

       In George Town, Penang, the festive mood filled the Arulmigu Sree Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple complex in Jalan Kebun Bunga as families in colourful attire arrived early in the morning to seek blessings.

       The crowd, which comprised locals and tourists, first performed their prayers at the Arulmigu Sree Ganeshar Temple at the foothill before proceeding to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple by climbing its 513 steps.

       Senior supervisor K. Kathigesu, 51, and his family of eight spent the morning at the temple to offer their prayers and express gratitude for the abundance bestowed on them.

       “Born and raised in Penang, we have been visiting this temple every Deepavali for almost 30 years.

       “We missed coming here last year due to the pandemic and are thankful that we can do so this year,” he said yesterday.

       Unlike past years where the family would visit friends and relatives for Deepavali, Kathigesu said they were limiting their festive activities to their closest family members.

       Technician R. Jeethivan, 35, and his family, including his four-month-old daughter, also made a stop at the temple as part of their Deepavali celebration.

       “This is our first time visiting the temple after hearing so much about it.

       “Seeing people coming out together is a good sign. We thank the government for the easing of restrictions,” said Jeethivan, adding that they had travelled from their hometown in Bahau, Negri Sembilan.

       Under Phases Three and Four of the National Recovery Plan, religious activities and prayers at houses of worship are allowed for fully vaccinated individuals, and the number of people in attendance must be based on the size of the premises.

       However, no dine-in activities are permitted at the temples for states in either phases. Only packed foods can be distributed.

       According to the National Unity Ministry, general activities such as parades held in conjunction with Deepavali are not allowed, while bazaars are subject to the approval of local authorities.

       In Seremban, Sri Balathandayuthapani Temple in Jalan Kuil has been the focus of Hindu devotees performing religious rituals.

       M. Sivakumar, 28, from Rembau, said this Deepavali held a more significant meaning for him as he had the opportunity to celebrate with his family members, even though it was held in moderation.

       In Ipoh, Perak, Hindu devotees turned up at the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple in Gunung Cheroh to perform religious rituals.

       Temple chairman M. Vivekanda said the celebration this time was livelier and that vegetarian food and sweets were distributed to visitors.

       In Johor Baru, Hindus started visiting the Arulmigu Rajamariamman Devasthanam Temple in Jalan Ungku Puan, also known as Johor Baru Little India, wearing colourful traditional attire in conjunction with the celebrations.

       Temple treasurer S. Murali said only fully vaccinated visitors were allowed to enter.

       “This year’s celebration is lively but not as lively as before the pandemic, where about 800 to 1,000 visitors would have come.

       “Now, only 100 to 150 people are allowed to enter at any one time,” he said.

       In Kuantan, Pahang, Hindus visited the Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple in Jalan Bukit Ubi in compliance with the standard operating procedure.

       P. Vijaya Kumari, 53, who visited the temple with her husband R. Ramesh, 56, said she was able to celebrate this year’s festival with her two children, who live in Kuala Lumpur and Johor.

       In Shah Alam, Selangor, a check by Bernama at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Mid-lands Temple in Section 7 found devotees queuing up and scanning their attendance on the MySejahtera application, as well as undergoing body temperature checks before entering the temple to pray.

       Temple chairman R. Mohanraj, 64, said the ceremony went smoothly as devotees complied with the SOP.

       In Sabah, prayers and Deepavali activities at the Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Temple in Bukit Padang went smoothly.

       Temple president Datuk Dr K. Mathavan said compliance with the SOP, including complete vaccination, wearing of face masks and the practice of physical distancing, was prioritised.

       In Alor Setar, Kedah, a check at the Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple saw the situation under control with good SOP compliance. No congestion was noted as devotees joyfully took part in the celebrations.

       State agriculture and food industry, plantation industries and commodities, transport and Indian community affairs committee chairman Azman Nasrudin said this year’s Deepavali was celebrated in a livelier atmosphere as the majority of Kedahans were fully vaccinated.