The Malaysian Government has been asked to consider declaring two days public holiday on the occasion of Deepavali

A Malaysian Indian Congress delegate N. Thevar said that this was to allow the Indian community to have more time to celebrate the occasion with their family members.

"Deepavali normally falls just before the school final-term examination, so students cannot focus on their studies and celebrate Deepavali," he said at the MIC general assembly at the Putra World Trade Centre here.

MIC vice-president S. K. Devamany, who seconded the idea, said Deepavali should be allotted two days public holiday as that of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year.

"We need more time... in the morning, to go to the temple to pray, then entertain guests, and to be with family members. One day is not enough," The New Strait Times quoted him, as saying. (ANI)