By Zareef Muzammil
SHAH ALAM, Nov 14 — The Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari takes a different approach in celebrating the joy of Deepavali this year following the country’s ongoing struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amirudin said the celebration this year is done, instead, by conveyance of wishes via text messages and videos to substitute the house-visiting activities of friends and acquaintances in the Sungai Dua constituency, as compared to previously done.
“I believe this is the same for many who may not even have the chance to greet one another and celebrate this season with families and friends due to the various mobility restrictions throughout the country.
“However, I am sure the significance of the Deepavali celebration, or Diwali, will remain to be celebrated according to individual preferences which we have come to accept as the new reality for this unique year of 2020,” he said in his Deepavali greetings today.
Amirudin had called for Hindu devotees to recall the journey of the Rama deity’s return to the city of Ayodhya (in Uttar Pradesh) illuminated by all kinds of lights after spending 14 years of his life in exile.
The story of Rama’s defeat over the evil King Ravana can be likened to the situation (Covid-19 pandemic) that the nation is facing at this point of time.
“Deepavali, fundamentally, is a festival of light that originates from the word ‘deep’ (clay lamps) and ‘avali’ (row).
“The festival also brings a deeper meaning which is the triumph of light over darkness, the victory of good over evil as well as the strength of hope and conscience over ignorance,” he said.
Amirudin also wishes the people of Selangor a Happy Deepavali, especially to the Hindu and Sikh communities.
