I just came back from visiting with my friend Sumitra and her family for a weekend celebrating “Hari Deepavali” (in India known as “Diwali” the Hindu festival of lights); I have to say that all the clichés about Malaysia being “truly Asia” could not have been truer. It could have been just the curry on the mutton I was eating, or perhaps the subtle kick of the spinach and lentils I dipped my roti in, but the warm and soothing feeling of a well eaten meal could very well be the feeling of how peace on earth is ~ Malaysians of different ethnic backgrounds (Malay, Chinese, Indian, etc.) gathering together for a meal with only the purest purpose in mind… friendship.
I did not think twice about going to
Malaysia with Sumitra, a good friend from Sai Gon. To travel on Air Asia a budget airlines made it easy plus a home-stay visit always beats the ‘lonely traveler’ option, especially as this trip was a much needed form of distraction for me to physically heal and overcome some very intense issues. And who would not have fun meeting new people and experience a truly authentic festival! The chance to visit our pregnant friend Ida and her husband Per who recently moved to KL from Sai Gon was a bonus, and Ann another friend from
Vietnam was also in for the trip to shop and just relax lah! For a brief moment I was in Nirvana as my gracious hosts the Valliappan’s, and their extended family welcomed me and our friends into their houses, making this festival of lights truly a triumph of good over evil. And yes... I am ok now, one day at a time.
Open houses are a unique practice among Malaysian Tamils. During the seventh month of the Hindu calendar, oil lamps are lit, colorful rangoli’s are painted on the floor, home cooked Indian meals and sweets are prepared and firecrackers are played by children and childlike ‘uncles’ alike. Everyone is welcomed in homes, be it family or strangers as they commemorate the defeat of Lord Rhama over Ravana, as well as the celebration of the slaying of the demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna in Hindu religion.
Kashka, Sumi’s youngest sister picked out a Punjabi dress for me to wear for temple. Geeta, middle sister gave up her bed for me. Auntie Jo and Uncle Swami her parents lent us their car and basically made me feel at home. And even granny gave me lucky money! Sumitra and her beau Yogi took me around town sightseeing. And for every relative’s house we visited, I was filled to the brim with food (yes pacing myself saved the day!).
As I met new people and enjoyed KL with my friends I couldn’t help but think why it’s so hard for people to just appreciate and respect their differences? I am quite blessed for being in an ever growing circle of such respectful people. I am a Christian Protestant; Sumitra practices both being a Malaysian Tamil (from her Dad) and a Christian Catholic (from her Mom); Ida is an Indonesian Muslim who loves Buddha statues for decorations who married to a Danish man so considerate that when Soraya their first born comes into the world she will not have a forced baptism but simply a name dedication ceremony; and Ann’s family in Vietnam are basically traditionalists who do ancestor worship but Ann is one of the most modern and independent spirits I know... AND WE ALL GET ALONG WELL! Aside from my travel companions, I have also made friends from so many nations since I became an expat four years ago. Truly, my world view has changed significantly in such a short period of time. And though I do not regret nor resent the sheltered life I grew up with, I hope that I can catch up to the many experiences and peoples that are waiting out there for me to meet. So that with each return to my current comfort zone I can become a better human being.
Differences in race, cultures and religions bring discord to a world obsessed with getting ahead for their own benefit, such is the happening in my home country the Philippines. Living in a continent where we have the most number of races and religions per square inch, shouldn’t tolerance be the norm? But it is not. As I contemplate my experience and upload my Deepavali and KL trip photo albums in my frivolous social networking site(s), I couldn’t help but wish… that one festival in a year, in one country can set an example for the rest of us to seek that bright light of peace? Here’s hoping it will.
I just came back from visiting with my friend Sumitra and her family for a weekend celebrating “Hari Deepavali” (in 
