YOURSAY | Deepavali vs Diwali: Not mere pedantry, but more important issues abound

MALAYSIA, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

The debate over whether the festival should be called “Deepavali” or “Diwali” has resurfaced in Malaysia after a comment by MIC deputy president M Saravanan sparked a wave of online discussion.

The issue gained traction when Saravanan, in a post on the Malaysiakini forum, said, “I’m sure there’s no malice, but these things make Tamil Malaysians feel increasingly vulnerable.” He added that the use of “Diwali” instead of “Deepavali” in official contexts is a “troubling question of whether we are witnessing a deeper institutional pivot in recognition, representation, and influence.” The comment was met with a mix of support and criticism from other forum users.

Supporters of Saravanan’s stance argued that “Deepavali” is the culturally appropriate term for the Tamil community, pointing out that “Deepam” means light in Tamil and that the festival’s name carries significant linguistic and cultural meaning. One user, RASPUTIN, wrote, “The word ‘Deepavali’ carries a beautiful significance, with Deepam referring to light in Tamil.

To shorten or alter the name risks diminishing its linguistic and cultural significance.” Another, GanMu, agreed that “Deepavali is the right term for this festival celebrated by Tamils, although Diwali refers to the same festival celebrated by other non‑Tamil‑speaking Hindus.”

Opponents of the strict use of “Deepavali” argued that the festival is a shared celebration among all Hindus in Malaysia, regardless of linguistic background. Kopi Kurang Manis noted that many Tamil Malaysians themselves say “Thiwali,” which sounds similar to “Diwali,” and that “calling the alternative ‘entirely incorrect’ is excessive.” The user Dm added, “Deepavali, Diwali or Thiwali?

Not my speciality, but all represent the ‘Festival of Light’.” Others, such as Tempus Fugit and VS, suggested that both terms are acceptable and that the spirit of the celebration matters more than the label.

The debate also touched on broader social dynamics. White Shark asked Saravanan, “What is your basic problem?

Looks like you have been shaken up because of the action against you and your family.” Saravanan replied that whether one is North Indian or South Indian, “we are all Indians who hail from the same country.” The conversation then shifted to the perceived influence of North Indians in Singapore’s upper echelons, with the user White Shark noting that this “has increasingly shadowed the descendants of Tamils and South Indians who helped build the nation.” The discussion highlighted concerns that Tamil Malaysians face socioeconomic pressures and diminishing influence, and that the naming dispute may reflect a deeper institutional shift.

The Malaysiakini comments also included remarks about other cultural celebrations. Dm posted greetings for Chinese New Year, asking whether the festival of lights issue was a “Chinese cultural issue.” The user RASPUTIN responded that “Deepavali” is the more meaningful and culturally appropriate term within the Tamil community, while acknowledging that “Diwali” is used by other non‑Tamil‑speaking Hindus. The conversation underscored the multicultural fabric of Malaysia, where multiple ethnic and religious groups celebrate overlapping festivals.

The controversy has not yet led to any official policy change, but it has prompted a broader conversation about how cultural terms are used in public discourse. MIC’s deputy president Saravanan’s comments have been cited by some as evidence of a “pedantic” approach to cultural identity, while others view his insistence on “Deepavali” as a legitimate effort to preserve Tamil heritage.

The debate has also highlighted the role of social media in shaping public opinion, with Malaysiakini’s comment section serving as a platform for diverse voices.

In the end, the discussion remains unresolved, with no definitive decision on whether official banners and communications should use “Deepavali” or “Diwali.” The debate continues to reflect ongoing tensions over cultural recognition and representation within Malaysia’s plural society.

Related: MIC · Malaysia