KUALA LUMPUR — A festive mood filled towns and cities across the country as Hindus ushered in Deepavali today with prayers, temple visits, family reunions and gatherings with friends and neighbours.

At the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Batu Caves near here, the grounds were already buzzing with activity early this morning as families in colourful traditional attire arrived to offer prayers.

A visitor, Vishnu, 36, who came with his wife and two children, said visiting the temple had been a family tradition since his childhood, and one he was now happy to continue with his own family.

He said it was also heartening to see tourists and Malaysians of different races joining in the celebrations.

Meanwhile, in SELANGOR, devotee A. Narmatha, 23, who was met after offering prayers at the Ellai Muniyandi Temple in Setia Alam, hoped this year’s Deepavali would bring happiness and blessings to all Malaysians.

In a Facebook post, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the celebration continued to bring the state’s diverse communities closer together.

He also gave an assurance that the state government would continue to look after the welfare of the Indian community through various initiatives.

In PERAK, about 10,000 Hindus gathered at the Kallumalai Arulmigu Subramaniar Temple at Gunung Cheroh in Ipoh from as early as 6.30 am to offer prayers.