An additional holiday for Deepavali please, MIC requests

MIC vice president Datuk T Murugiah called on the federal government to declare an additional public holiday on Nov 1 to allow Hindus a longer period to celebrate Deepavali.

Deepavali celebrated by Hindus has always been a one day public holiday.

He pointed out that the extra holiday would not only benefit the Indian community and provide convenience for those celebrating the festival but also offer an opportunity for all Malaysians to participate in and respect the country’s cultural diversity.

“Deepavali is an important celebration for the Hindu community in Malaysia. It is a time for family, self-reflection and community unity.

“By declaring Nov 1 as an additional holiday, the government would allow Malaysians to gather and celebrate in peace and harmony,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Deepavali will be celebrated on Oct 31 this year.

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