16/10/2025

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Deepavali prosperity shines via vilakku

IPOH: Celebrating Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, is not just about the victory of good over evil, but an act that focuses on aspects of cleanliness, prosperity and self-discipline. These aspects are manifested through the glow of the vilakku (light), a traditional oil lamp, which for the Indian community is not just a decoration but an item that carries deep meaning. As such, each time the festival approaches, the copper or brass lamp is essential and it must be polished to shine brightly. Cleanstant Metal Polishing director K. Letchumi Devi, 69, who runs a traditional lamp repair and polishing service, said the lamp is considered an object that absorbs positive energy during religious ceremonies. She said a polished lamp not only reflects the meticulous care and discipline of its owner, but also symbolises the readiness to receive prosperity and joy, while emphasising that Deepavali is a time to welcome the good things in life. “Deepavali is like celebrating prosperity, your health and making your life bright. It is about life and happiness,” she told Bernama recently. She also said shiny lamps signify care towards tradition and culture, adding that there are various types of vilakku , including the kamachi vilakku (often placed in prayer rooms) and man vilakku (clay lamps). She added that the multi-layered or multi-level lamp is also very popular because it is believed to symbolise multiple prosperity. Cleanstat co-director B. Kanishen, 40, who is Letchumi’s youngest son o Local company offers polishing, restoration services for traditional lamps

Letchumi arranging vilakku sent in by customers and lighting thiri after completing the day’s polishing process. – BERNAMAPIC

said there are no requirements regarding the cleanliness of the lamp itself, but it is better if it is polished. He said the company, which began operations in 2015, offers polishing and restoration services for copper and brass using industrial-grade technology, adding that it also offers gold-plating services that provide a longer lifespan for the lamps. “Apart from the shine, in terms of energy vibrations, we believe it absorbs energy faster,” he said,

adding that the prices start from as low as RM60 to thousands of ringgit, depending on the size of the item. Kanishen said apart from the service of restoring old lamps, which the Indian community is reluctant to dispose of due to their spiritual significance, the company also produces products that have been patented. He said more than 40,000 units of thiri (copper wick) holders have been sold since August last year. “The thiri holder elevates the wick

so that it does not touch the base of the lamp, thus preventing damage and darkening of the body (structure) of the lamp, especially the clay lamps. “Other newly launched products include the thiri adjuster, a tool that allows users to adjust the wick without having to extinguish the flame.” He added that demand for polishing services at Cleanstant, which operates in Ipoh, Subang Jaya and Johor Bahru, would usually increase by about 50% ahead of

major festivals such as Deepavali and Ponggal. He also said the sale of patented products, such as the thiri holders, was stable throughout the year with an average of 150 to 250 units sold per day, adding that there is also demand for their services from Singapore, the United States and Australia. Kanishen said his company is optimistic about continuing to grow, as many people are still unaware of the special services offered by the company.