DEEPAVALI OPEN HOUSE ON OCT 27

The SSVT management committee

SANDAKAN: The Sri Sithi Vinayagar Temple (SSVT) Sandakan will be organizing a Deepavali Open House for the first time after it has been consecrated in 1993. SSVT management committee chairman K Ganesan said the event would be held at at SSVT located in Jalan Phang Kok Yune off Mile 1 1/2 Jalan Utara from 10.00 am till 1.00 pm on Oct 27.

“The temple management committee felt that the  Deepavali open house function will pave the way for a better understanding of the Indian Culture and truly reflect the diversity which makes Malaysia one of the most unique nation in the world,” Ganesan said.

Ganesan said the open house function would be graced by local public figures and members of the community.

Deepavali signifies the triumph of good over evil, light over dark.  The slaying of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna is commonly cited as the origin of the Festival of Lights. 

But the values and principles that Hindus affirm when they commemorate Deepavali are of relevance to all people.  They have much in common with the values promoted by our other religions in Malaysia, he added.

Further, Deepavali has become an occasion for social togetherness, both within the Hindu community and between neighbours and friends of all races and religions in Malaysia.  Friends from other races are often invited to the homes of Indians to share in the joyous atmosphere, Ganesan said.

This open House concept  is indeed one way in which we come together as a multi-ethnic community to celebrate the Festival of Lights and at the same time to show case the Indian Cultural Heritage to the Sandakan community.

This indeed is in line with the One Malaysian Spirit which reflects and nurtures the inter-ethnic character and harmony of our nation, Ganesan said.

According to Ganesan, Deepavali is not just a time for merry-making.  It is also a time for us to remember the less fortunate around us, and to bring light into their lives .

This is exactly what the SSVT is trying to achieve.  The Deepavali open house will also highlight   various cultural and religious activities planned by the temple .

“It is indeed our wish to see the community in Sandakan share the festive mood and celebrate the function along side with our Indian community in Sandakan.

We would like to invite all the members of the community to partake in the Deepavali Open House celebration and embrace the diversity which unites us as Malaysians. .     Happy Deepavali,” he said.

The Management Committee would like to cordially invite all members and friends to partake in this event and make it a success, Ganesan said.