In collaboration with Convergence, VOICE OF ASIA is proud to present timeless articles from the archives, reproduced digitally for your reading pleasure. Originally published in Convergence Volume 26 in 2013, we present this story on the many lights that brighten the days and nights in Malaysia.
For five days each year, Malaysia comes alive with the shimmering and enchanting light of countless traditional clay oil lamps, or diyas, as Hindus observe the ancient and deeply religious celebration of Deepavali, which is also known as Diwali.
Yet there are many other occasions when the country’s culture and characteristics have a chance to shine, illuminated by natural or projected beams of light that allow the beauty and wonder of Malaysia to dazzle. In this glorious photo feature, Convergence celebrates the ‘Festival of Light’, and looks at Malaysia from an entirely different perspective –lustrous, radiant, and commanding the spotlight.
A GLOW WITH ANCIENT TRADIENT
Deepavali is an atmospheric occasion of tranquil calm, peace and prayer, conducted in the glow of the flickering flames, and observed by the New Moon that appears on the darkest night in the Hindu month of Kartik. A particularly pivotal element of Deepavali observance is the diya, small oil lamps which serve as powerful symbols in the ancient Hindu festival that commemorates the mythological victory of light over darkness, and good over evil. The name of the celebration itself is derived from Sanskrit words that translate to ‘series of lights’, and while each day has its own separate tradition and legend, it is the aspect of light that serves as a theme for this annual celebration that brightens homes, lightens the heart, and illuminates the soul.
TOWERS OF LIGHT
Drive from the outskirts into Malaysia’s capital city at night, and at some moment you will be struck by a spectacular sight on the horizon. The Kuala Lumpur skyline itself is a wonder to behold – a network of light that shows the city alive with its evening buzz – yet the jewels in this crown are undoubtedly the Petronas Twin Towers.
Be drawn closer to ‘KLCC’ and the resplendence of this Malaysian landmark is even more breathtaking, as their commanding 457m, 88-storey tall presence becomes stunningly prominent when lit against the natural inky-black of the sky. In evenings, the adjacent park area draws tourists and locals like moths to a flame, cameras at the ready… and when they are not being mesmerised by the dancing fountain or taking in the lush greenery, the irresistible urge is to crane one’s neck upwards to behold this architectural marvel.
Did You Know?
Deepavali is a national holiday that is officially observed in Myanmar, Guyana, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad and Tobago, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Singapore, in addition to Malaysia and India.
UNDERWATER ILLUMINTATION
As a beam of light pierces the ocean ceiling, it sheds light on a universe of underwater flora and fauna that will take your breath away (luckily the oxygen tank is there as a saviour). The islands of Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman and their exotic relatives serve as the dry-land base for a world of wonder beneath the waters that surround them… Malaysia is considered one of the world’s premier diving locations, and the further down you explore from the surface, stray sunbeams are the only link to the above-ocean world. As you weave through shoals of fish and soar above an array of coral, the calm, biodiverse waters are a haven you will crave to revisit the moment you break water to be once again kissed by the equatorial heat of the sun.
Did You Know?
Deepavali falls on a different date each year, and is determined in accordance with the Hindu Lunisolar calendar.
EXPLOSIVE ENCHANTMENT
In late September, the skies above Putrajaya Lake become a fury of sparkles, fizzles, crackles and booms as the The Putrajaya International Fireworks Competition inspires a seemingly-endless combustion of colour to fill the night sky (along with the accompanying ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ of those in attendance). Held in the nation’s federal administrative area 25 km from Kuala Lumpur, the event is one of the highlights of the national calendar, and in the past has attracted competing pyrotechnicians from countries such as South Korea, France, China, the Philippines and the United States. Whichever the participating nations, an amazing display of choreographed firework fantasy is guaranteed, and after 25 minutes of wonder has ceased, the drifting smoke across the lake is as an atmospheric after-effect of the unforgettable skyburst of red, blue, gold, green, purple, orange, yellow and silver above the Putrajaya cityscape.
Did You Know?
Deepavali in fact falls on the third and holiest day of celebrations, which has the darkest night due to a new moon cycle.
FORCES OF NATURE
The UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Mulu Cave system in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, contains enormous underground chambers – some thousands of feet wide and over two hundred feet high. Of course to fully explore these East Malaysian natural wonders, located in the mountainous, equatorial rainforest setting, you will need to use artificial torchlight to expose the awesome crevices and chasms that are cloaked in blackness. But at the entrance to the caves, shafts of sunlight filter in, mysteriously silhouetting the natural limestone and sandstone formations, adding to the sense of wonder and creating a fever of intrigue about what lies shrouded in the darkness within…
Did You Know?
Deepavali also marks a deeply auspicious period for Jains and Sikhs, who concurrently observe their own religious festivals.
SYMPHONY IN THE SPOTLIGHT
As the bright lights dim and a hush ripples across the room, you sink into your plush seat and turn your gaze to the half-moon shaped stage. On this illuminated pedestal sits a collection of the best talents from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), and as the harmonies of gently-bowed strings mesmerise the audience, the light remains focused, obediently trained on the stage, conceding attention to the music that is being crafted.
The Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS (DFP) is the country’s first dedicated music hall and including the MPO, it has hosted some of the world’s finest artistes like Mstislav Rostropovich, soprano diva Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, and renowned orchestras such as the Vienna Symphony and New York Philharmonic. From classical music to contemporary performances and even silver screen scores, orchestral music achingly comes to life in the focus of the light, right in the heart of KL.
A CRIMSON SHOPPING SANCTUARY
Red lanterns create a fiery warm atmosphere in the bustling and winding alleyways of Petaling Street – a veritable haven for adventurous eaters and trinket bargain hunters on a mission for their next interesting souvenir or culinary experience to savour. This Chinatown is a famous destination for both locals and foreign visitors alike, and at night especially, it is an adrenaline-racing location which is a melting pot of the sights and sounds of downtown, which merge into a cacophony of language, laughter, haggling and energy. The flashing neon strips from hotels and stores is met with the steady presence of streetlights and hanging lanterns, in a scene that is quintessential street-KL.
