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 fiv...