Best Places to Shop for Deepavali in Malaysia

Deepavali, or Diwali, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Celebrated with grand festivities, it involves the exchange of gifts, the lighting of oil lamps, and the bursting of fireworks. For many, shopping is an integral part of the Deepavali experience, as families prepare for the celebrations by purchasing new clothes, home decorations, sweets, and gifts. If you’re in Malaysia and looking for the best places to do your Deepavali shopping, here’s a guide to some of the top destinations:

1. Jalan Masjid, Kuala Lumpur

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Masjid is a bustling hub of activity, particularly during Deepavali. Known for its vibrant market atmosphere, this area transforms into a festival shopping haven during the festive season. Historically, it has been the go-to place for last-minute Deepavali shopping.

The streets are lined with stalls selling traditional Indian clothes like sarees, salwar kameez, and kurtas, along with various jewelry, home décor items, and sweets. One of the highlights of shopping at Jalan Masjid is the ability to bargain with vendors, which makes it a favorite for deal hunters.

Unfortunately, the city authorities announced plans to relocate the famous Deepavali market in 2023. Still, until then, it remains a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the festive spirit of Deepavali.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to visit stores like Haniffa, which often offer deep discounts and special sales during this period. You’ll find everything you need to prepare for the festival, from clothing to prayer items.

2. Deepavali Trade Carnival at Kompleks Sukan Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

One of Malaysia’s most significant outdoor Deepavali events is the Deepavali Carnival, held at the Kompleks Sukan Negara in Kuala Lumpur. The celebration will feature booths offering products ranging from clothing, home décor, artificial jewellery, and footwear to delicious Indian cuisine.

From October 23, 2024, until October 30, 2024, the carnival is not just about shopping—it’s a full-on cultural experience. You can enjoy live stage performances, traditional Indian music, and entertainment while shopping for festive items. It’s also a great place to try delicious Indian sweets and snacks.

With local and international vendors participating, this carnival offers something for everyone, making it one of Malaysia’s top destinations for Deepavali shopping.

Pro Tip: Visit early evening to avoid large crowds and get first dibs on the best items. To attend the Deepavali Carnival, make sure to book your KL bus tickets online in advance to avoid the last minute rush.

Directions to Reach –

3. Brickfields – Little India, Kuala Lumpur

Brickfields, also known as “Little India,” is the epicentre of Indian culture in Kuala Lumpur. During Deepavali, this area is decorated with vibrant lights, creating a festive atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists.

Brickfields is ideal for quick, convenient shopping. Though smaller than other shopping destinations, it packs a punch with its wide range of Indian goods. You’ll find shops selling colourful sarees, salwar kameez, jewellery, and stalls that offer traditional sweets like laddus, barfis, and murukkus. The streets of Brickfields also come alive with music, dance performances, and food stalls, offering a complete festive shopping experience.

Bonus: After Deepavali shopping, indulge in a meal at one of the many Indian restaurants in the area. A popular option is the banana leaf rice, a traditional South Indian dish served on a banana leaf.

4. Tengku Kelana Street, Klang

Located in Klang, Tengku Kelana Street is another hotspot for Deepavali shopping, particularly for those looking for high-quality Indian attire. The street is home to several large stores, such as Gayathri Silks, Sri Kumaran Silks, and Ajunta Store, which offer various sarees, from affordable options to luxurious Kanjeevaram silk sarees.

In addition to clothing, you can find brass utensils, home décor items, and a wide selection of festive accessories. The evening atmosphere here is lively, with musical performances and food stalls lining the streets.

Pro Tip: Visit early in the day to avoid the heavy afternoon crowds, especially if you’re shopping with young children. Parking can be challenging, so be prepared to walk if necessary.

5. Johor Bahru (JB) Deepavali Bazaar

If you’re in Johor Bahru (JB), the Deepavali Bazaar is an excellent option for festive shopping. Located in the open car park of Giant Hypermarket Tampoi, this bazaar brings together around 100 traders, offering a variety of Deepavali essentials. You’ll find everything from traditional Indian sweets and snacks to clothing, prayer items, and decorations.

This market is trendy among locals. It offers an authentic Deepavali shopping experience without the overwhelming crowds found in larger cities. The bazaar runs until late October, making it a convenient option for last-minute shoppers.

Pro Tip: Look for special deals and promotions from local traders, especially on sweets and festive décor items.

6. Lulu Hypermarkets

For a more modern shopping experience, Lulu Hypermarket is one of Malaysia’s top destinations for Deepavali shopping. Known for its vast range of products, from groceries to electronics, Lulu Hypermarket offers a one-stop shopping experience for all your festive needs.

During the Deepavali season, Lulu Hypermarket offers special promotions on Indian sweets, clothing, home décor, and gifts. With its international and regional brands, you’ll find many items to suit every budget.

Bonus: Lulu Hypermarket is also a great option if you’re looking for imported Indian goods, including spices, snacks, and speciality foods, making it easy to prepare traditional Deepavali meals at home.

7. KL & Selangor Makkaleh!

From October 2-6, 2024, check out this Diwali expo in KSL Esplanade Mall, Bandar Bestari, Klang, Selangor. Brought to you by “Colours of India,” this event features a wide range of Indian products and services, including:

You can find everything here, from bridal attire to decor, home essentials, decorative items, and stunning Indian jewellery and accessories. Explore various sarees, kurtas, kurtis, Punjabi suits, lenggas, jippa, and kids’ wear. Indulge in delicious Indian cuisine, including Punjabi sweets, pani puri, biryani, and more.

Find wedding photography, tattoo artists, and other services. Enjoy incredible deals and discounts of up to 80% on a wide range of products!

Directions to Reach

By Foot:

• Distance: Bandar Bestari (Bd92) is just 562 meters away.
• Walking Time: It takes approximately 9 minutes to walk from Bandar Bestari to the mall.

By Bus:

• Bus Line: The 730 bus line stops near KSL Esplanade Mall.
• Nearest Bus Stop: Bandar Bestari (Bd92)
• First Bus: The 730 bus arrives at Bandar Bestari at 5:48 AM.
• Last Bus: The last 730 bus arrives at Bandar Bestari at 11:17 PM.

Note: Bus schedules and routes can change. It’s always recommended to check the latest information with local transportation authorities or use a real-time public transit app.

Online Options for Indian Sweets and Snacks

If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home, there are several online options to purchase Indian sweets for Deepavali in Malaysia.

Some popular choices include:

• The Baklava Box
• Venusita
• Moghul Mahal
• Malaysian Indian Authentic Sweets & Diwali Gifts Online Store

These online stores offer a wide range of traditional sweets and Diwali gift hampers, which can be delivered straight to your door, making it easier to enjoy festive treats.

Read more about Deepavali Celebrations in Malaysia

Get a sneak peek of all Deepawali shopping spots here –

Malaysia offers many shopping options for Deepavali, from bustling markets to modern hypermarkets. Whether you’re looking for traditional Indian attire, festive home décor, or delicious sweets, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate this joyous festival. Whether you shop in the vibrant streets of Brickfields or at the grand Deepavali Carnival in Bukit Jalil, the spirit of Deepavali is alive and well in every corner of the country.

Happy shopping, and have a wonderful Deepavali!