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MIC Deputy President, Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, today said the use of the term "Diwali" on festive arches and banners across Kuala Lumpur and Brickfields is entirely incorrect.
“I wish to draw the urgent attention of YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories), to a mistake regarding the usage of the word "Deepavali".
“The legally gazetted, appropriate, and correct designation for the festival is "Deepavali", he said in a statement.
He said he has since written to Hannah with a copy to the Prime Minister, urging her to rectify this mistake and ensure the right term is used moving forward.
He pointed out that the vast majority of Malaysia’s Indian community originates from South India and predominantly speaks Tamil.
“Therefore, 'Deepavali' accurately reflects their linguistic and cultural heritage.
“By contrast, "Diwali" is a regional variation primarily used in Northern India by Hindi-speaking communities,” he said.
In Malaysia, this sacred festival has long been officially gazetted as "Deepavali."
Using "Diwali" instead of the official, gazetted term diminishes the identity of the Tamil-speaking majority who form the backbone of the Hindu community in our nation, said the Tapah MP.
“In light of this, I strongly urge the minister to immediately replace all instances of "Diwali" with "Deepavali."
“This is more than just a word. It is about showing true respect for the culture, traditions and dignity of Malaysia's Tamil-speaking Hindu community,”. – October 10, 2026
