‘Everything remains dark’: Two women inmates reflect on Deepavali far from family

A general view of Kajang Women’s Prison, where female inmates are serving their sentences. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 08 Nov 2026 7:00 AM MYT

KAJANG, Nov 8 — As Hindus across the country celebrate Deepavali today, two inmates at the Kajang Women’s Prison find themselves celebrating the Festival of Lights far from their families accompanied only by longing and regret.

For Puvi, 32 (not her real name), who has been serving a prison sentence since 2019, spending Deepavali without her parents and her only daughter now nine years old has been an incredibly difficult experience.

The eldest of five siblings, originally from Perak, shared that even when her family makes the long journey to visit, they are only permitted 45 minutes together, with no physical contact or hugs allowed.

“People often ask about the meaning of Deepavali, the victory of light over darkness. But for me, everything remains dark. I am still waiting for something that can lead me out of this darkness,” she said when met by Bernama at the Kajang Women’s Prison recently.

Even more heartbreaking was the time her daughter asked if she could hug her mother but unable to offer an embrace, Puvi could only steer the conversation toward Deepavali preparations and her daughter’s festive attire.

She admitted that while she tries to hold back her sadness in front of her parents, she breaks down in tears once they have left. This experience has made her appreciate her family’s sacrifices all the more and she hopes to apologise and seek her parents’ blessings the next time they meet.

“In the past, I didn’t value small things, like seeking my parents’ blessings. Now, if given the chance, I would kneel at their feet and ask for forgiveness. I have two years left on my sentence, and I want to prove to my mother that I have truly changed,” she said.

For Madhu, 45 (not her real name), this year’s Deepavali brings new hope, as she is scheduled to be released soon.

For Madhu (not her real name), this year’s Deepavali brings new hope, as she is scheduled to be released soon. — Bernama pic

A single mother of five with two grandchildren hailing from Puchong, she used to earn a living selling nasi lemak to support her family before her incarceration in 2024. One of the things she misses most is the tradition of bathing her children with herbal-infused oil during Deepavali.

Madhu shared that the Jalinan Kasih (Bond of Love) programme which allowed her to meet and physically embrace her children last year was a deeply moving experience, especially after months of having no news from her family.

“I wept, reflecting on my own mistakes that led to me being separated from them,” she said.

During her time in prison, Madhu took the opportunity to undergo vocational training in hairdressing, massage, and facial treatments.

Upon her release, she hopes to open a hair salon and offer massage services to support her family.

“I want to prove that those in prison are capable of change that they can apply what they have learned and return to contribute to society,” she said.

Behind the prison walls, Deepavali is still celebrated in a spirit of harmony. Inmates of various ethnicities and nationalities work together to decorate their blocks with thoranai (woven coconut leaf decorations) and kolam (floor artwork), while also enjoying nasi briyani and traditional sweets.

As Deepavali approaches tomorrow, Puvi offers a piece of advice to the younger generation to think carefully before doing anything that could jeopardise your future.

“Think before you act. Don’t get so caught up in trends that you lose sight of boundaries. Once you end up here, no amount of regret can change the past,” she said. — Bernama