KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — If colours make up one half of Deepavali, food makes up the other.  Wolfing down the customary mutton curry and biriyani rice and munching away on murukku is an annual Deepavali ritual for most Malaysian Indian households. 

But there is also one truly Malaysian tradition to fete every major festival here — the open house.

An open house is not just an elaborate feast. It is a celebration of family ties, enduring friendships, and an occasion to build new ones.

This year, most public open houses will be held almost a week after Deepavali, giving families time to celebrate at home before sharing the festival with the wider community.

So, for those looking to experience Deepavali in a truly Malaysian way, here are five open houses to visit:

1. National Deepavali Celebration, Brickfields — November 14

One of the biggest open houses will be the National Deepavali Celebration, organised by the National Unity Ministry in the Little India enclave of Brickfields on November 14.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate the day-long event, which will feature arts, cultural performances and exhibitions. 

More than 10,000 people are expected to throng the open house that is slated to begin at 8am. 

2. Selangor Deepavali Open House, Klang — November 14

On the same day, Selangor will host its state-level Deepavali celebration at 6pm in Dataran Klang @ Padang Chetty in Klang, which is also open to all members of the public.

Some 10,000 visitors are expected to attend and take part in the cultural activities and celebrations.

3. Perak Deepavali Open House, Ipoh — November 14

Outside the Klang Valley, the Perak state government will host an open house starting from 2pm, also on November 14, at Stadium Indera Mulia in Ipoh.

The event will be graced by Perak ruler Sultan Nazrin Shah.

Some 20,000 people are expected to turn up for the celebration, which will feature traditional performances.

4. Johore Bar Deepavali Open House, Muar — November 17

The legal fraternity is also enlivening the celebrations with open houses lined up in the central and south regions.

The Johore Bar will host a Deepavali open house featuring Indian cuisines including tandoori chicken and mutton varuval.

The event will be held at noon on November 17 at the Muar Bar Room.

5. Kuala Lumpur Bar Deepavali Open House, Kuala Lumpur — November 20

The Kuala Lumpur Bar will hold its Deepavali open house at 7pm on November 20 at the KL Bar Auditorium.

The event is open to all but limited to 150 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

RSVP is required by November 16 via this link.