Article
Deepavali or Diwali? Why Malaysians Use Both Names
Scroll through Malaysian social media in the festive season and you will see both Happy Deepavali and Happy Diwali, sometimes in the same comment thread. Shopping malls might use one name on a banner and the other on a sale poster. It is natural to wonder whether there is a right one to use.
The short answer is that both names refer to the same festival, and both are correct. This guide explains where each name comes from, why Deepavali is more common in Malaysia, how other languages refer to the festival and which greeting to use when you wish your friends, colleagues and neighbours well.
Two Names, One Festival
Deepavali comes from Sanskrit, combining deepa, meaning lamp, and avali, meaning row. Together, the word is often translated as a row of lamps, which captures the image of small lights glowing in the darkness. Diwali is a shortened form of the same word that developed in Hindi and other North Indian languages.
Both names describe the Festival of Lights, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Our explainer on the meaning behind the Festival of Lights looks at this symbolism in more depth.
Language often changes as words travel. Just as Malaysians might say Raya, Hari Raya or Aidilfitri for the same celebration, Deepavali and Diwali are simply different forms that grew up in different places.
Why Malaysians Mostly Say Deepavali
Most Malaysian Indians trace their heritage to South India, especially Tamil Nadu, and Tamil is the most widely spoken Indian language in Malaysia. In Tamil and other South Indian languages, the festival is usually called Deepavali or Deepavali Pandigai. That is why Deepavali is the official name used in Malaysia's public holiday listings and in most local media.
Where you will hear Diwali
Diwali is common in North India and in communities with North Indian roots, including some Punjabi, Gujarati and Sindhi families in Malaysia. International brands, films and online content also tend to use Diwali, so the name has become familiar to many Malaysians through screens and social media.
Regional names and spellings
You may also see spellings such as Divali or Deepawali. They all refer to the same festival, and the variety simply reflects the many languages and communities that celebrate it.
The Festival in Malaysia's Many Languages
Because Malaysia is multilingual, the festival also appears in several local forms.
- In Malay, Hari Deepavali or Selamat Hari Deepavali
- In Tamil, Deepavali, with the greeting Iniya Deepavali Nalvazhthukkal
- In English, Deepavali or Diwali, often with Happy Deepavali
- In Mandarin, the festival is often written as 屠妖节, which refers to the story of defeating evil
Our guide on how to say Happy Deepavali in Malaysia's many languages includes more greetings and pronunciation tips.
Seeing several names on posters and in messages is a reminder of how many communities share in the season, each adding its own language and flavour.
Tip: If you are unsure which name a friend prefers, follow their lead. If they post Happy Diwali, reply the same way; if they say Deepavali, use that.
Which Name Should You Use?
In Malaysia, Deepavali is the safest and most widely understood choice, especially in formal settings such as office emails, school notices and corporate greetings. Diwali is perfectly acceptable too, particularly with friends from North Indian backgrounds or in international contexts.
Whatever name you use, the warmth of your message matters far more than the word itself. A sincere greeting is always appreciated.
In mixed workplaces, using the official Malaysian name in company-wide messages keeps things consistent, while personal messages can follow each friend's preference.
Simple Greetings to Get You Started
If you want to wish someone well this season, here are a few easy steps.
- Start with a simple Happy Deepavali or Selamat Hari Deepavali
- Add a personal touch, such as wishing them joy with their family
- Try the Tamil greeting Iniya Deepavali Nalvazhthukkal if you feel confident
- Keep the tone warm and positive
- Follow up with an open house visit or a small gift if appropriate
Deepavali 2026 Reminder
In 2026, Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November, with a replacement holiday on Monday, 9 November in most states. It is not a public holiday in Sarawak, and Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu do not have the Monday replacement. Send your greetings a day or two before or on the day itself.
FAQ
Is it wrong to say Diwali in Malaysia?
Not at all. Diwali and Deepavali are the same festival, and both are understood. Deepavali is simply more common in Malaysia.
What does Deepavali mean?
It comes from Sanskrit and is usually translated as a row of lamps, symbolising light overcoming darkness.
Which name is used for the public holiday?
Malaysia's official public holiday listings use Deepavali.
Deepavali or Diwali, the name you choose matters less than the kindness behind it. Send your wishes warmly, and enjoy the glow of the season with your friends.