Saravanan sparked debate over ‘Deepavali vs. Diwali’ description, gets headlines in Tamil Media

KUALA LUMPUR: The ongoing debate over the correct spelling and usage of ‘Deepavali’ versus ‘Diwali’ for the upcoming November 8 festival has drawn major coverage across Tamil media outlets in Malaysia.

The Indian community in Malaysia widely celebrates Deepavali every year. However, a dispute has arisen over whether the festival should officially be referred to as ‘Deepavali’ or ‘Diwali’. Traditionally, the Tamil community uses the term ‘Deepavali’, which translates to “a row of lights” (Deepam meaning light, and Aavali meaning row). Conversely, North India more commonly uses the term ‘Diwali’, which frequently appears in English-language publications and media.

The controversy emerged amidst festive preparations in Brickfields’ Little India. Objecting to the use of ‘Diwali’ on official government banners and promotional displays in the area, Tapah Member of Parliament and MIC Deputy President Datuk Seri M. Saravanan dispatched an official letter of protest to Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh. Saravanan has also raised the matter with the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

During his tenure as the Deputy Minister of Federal Territories in 2008, Saravanan played a pivotal role in establishing and naming the Little India precinct, which has since grown into a bustling commercial hub.

In his letter, Saravanan emphasised that official government banners and advertisements should use ‘Deepavali’ exclusively, noting that it is the accepted, traditional term used by the Indian community in Malaysia, whereas ‘Diwali’ is used primarily in North India.

This issue made front-page headlines in major Tamil dailies, including Makkal Osai and Malaysia Nanban, as well as various English and digital news portals. The Tamil community now awaits the Ministry of Federal Territories’ response and next steps.