It was a bright and cheerful Deepavali morning in Kuala Lumpur. Instead of staying home, the Kumar family decided to celebrate the festival in a different way that year — with a fun trip to Zoo Negara.

Little Asha woke up excited, her new yellow kurta shimmering in the sunlight. “Are we really going to see the pandas today?” she asked eagerly as her father packed snacks and water bottles. Her mother smiled, “Yes, dear — even the animals deserve some festive cheer!”

When they arrived, the zoo was lively with families from all walks of life — all malaysians are enjoying the public holiday together. The scent of curry puffs and popcorn filled the air, and colourful Deepavali decorations hung near the entrance, adding a festive touch.

Asha’s eyes widened as she saw the elephants bathing playfully and the giraffes munching lazily on tall trees. But her favourite moment was meeting the giant pandas, Xing Xing and Liang Liang. “They’re so cute!” she squealed, pressing her face against the glass.

After exploring the zoo, the family settled under a shady tree for a picnic. They shared homemade murukku, sandwiches, and sweet laddu. Laughter and joy filled the air as fireworks crackled faintly in the distance — a reminder that it was still the Festival of Lights.

As the sun set, Asha whispered, “This was the best Deepavali ever.” Her father nodded, smiling. “Because happiness isn’t just in lamps or sweets, but in moments we share together.”

✨ And so, under the golden evening sky, their Deepavali at Zoo Negara became a day to remember — full of laughter, light, and love.