Hilton [NYSE: HLT] welcomes the Festival of Lights as homes come alive with the gentle glow of deepams, colourful kolam designs and the inviting aroma of freshly prepared murukku. Celebrating hope, joy and the enduring triumph of light over darkness, Deepavali brings a special warmth to families and communities across Malaysia.
For many, the beauty of Deepavali lies not only in the celebration itself, but in the customs and experiences that bring people closer to their heritage and to one another. Whether through food, artistry or familiar rituals, these moments offer a deeper connection to culture, one that extends beyond the festive season.
This desire for meaningful cultural experiences is also reflected in Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, which reveals that nearly 70% of families seek experiences that connect them with local traditions.
Against this backdrop, participating Hilton hotels across Malaysia invite guests to discover the spirit of Deepavali through the richness of Indian cuisine, festive artistry and experiences that celebrate the traditions behind the Festival of Lights.
A Journey Through Flavours and Heritage
Food has long been at the heart of Deepavali, with recipes reflecting family histories, regional influences and the pleasure of gathering around a shared table. Across Malaysia, Hilton’s culinary teams celebrate this diversity through dining experiences inspired by India’s rich culinary landscape.
At Hilton Petaling Jaya, Paya Serai presents Delightful Diwali Dining from 7 to 9 November, featuring tandoor-smoked, slow-cooked whole lamb leg alongside Indian favourites such as Tandoori Murgh Malai Tikka, Gosht Mughlai and Chettinad pumpkin curry. At Drip, Indian Afternoon Tea Indulgence offers a more leisurely way to experience the season, with a selection of Indian-inspired sweet and savoury creations available until 19 November.
At DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, Makan Kitchen presents a Deepavali hi-tea from 7 to 9 November, bringing together regional flavours such as Lamb Shank Dum Biryani, Kerala Fish Tawa and Mutton Chukka. Freshly prepared tandoori selections, a live pani puri station and traditional sweets including payasam, kesari and gulab jamun add to the experience.
Further north, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang marks the occasion with a Deepavali dinner buffet on 7 November, featuring Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Chicken Chettinad, Mutton Varuval and Tandoori Lamb. Indian desserts such as Kesari Halwa and Gulab Jamun with Cardamom Syrup complete the evening’s celebration.
Along Perak’s coast, DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort presents Diyas & Delicacies on 8 November at Makan Kitchen. Featuring Hyderabadi Murgh Biryani, Chicken Tandoori and Salmon Fish Head Curry alongside grilled seafood and vegetarian selections, the evening offers guests an opportunity to discover a variety of flavours over a shared festive meal.
In East Malaysia, Hilton Kota Kinabalu brings its own interpretation of the celebration to Urban Kitchen with Delightful Diwali Dining, a specially curated set menu for two available from 7 to 15 November. The experience features Indian favourites including Takalli Rasam, a spiced tomato soup with tamarind, alongside Lamb Masala, Machli Tandoor and Navratan Jalfrezi, before concluding with warm carrot pudding served with vanilla almond ice cream.
Beyond the Table: The Art of Deepavali
While food brings people together, the beauty of Deepavali also lives in the customs and artistry passed from one generation to the next.
At DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City, intricate kolam displays will welcome guests from 5 November, bringing colour and cultural significance to the hotel’s festive setting. On Deepavali Day, henna hand-painting at the Makan Kitchen foyer offers another opportunity for guests to experience the artistry associated with the celebration.
These experiences create moments of cultural discovery, inviting guests of different backgrounds and generations to appreciate the creativity, customs and stories behind Deepavali.
Whether rediscovering a familiar flavour, admiring the beauty of a kolam or introducing loved ones to a cherished custom, the Festival of Lights reminds us that meaningful connections are often found in the simplest shared moments.
As deepams glow across Malaysia, Hilton welcomes guests to experience the warmth of Deepavali through the traditions, flavours and stories that make the occasion special.
Hilton Honors members can enjoy exclusive dining privileges and savings at participating outlets, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Reservations & Enquiries
Hilton Petaling Jaya
Tel: +603 7955 9122
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Tel: +608 8835 6000/ +6013 880 3370
DoubleTree by Hilton Shah Alam i-City
Tel: +603 562 0200 / +6012 223 8453
DoubleTree by Hilton Damai Laut Resort
Tel: +605 684 3333
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
Tel: +604 892 8000