Introduction
A few weeks before Deepavali, our Bangsar shop starts to change colour. The soft pastels make way for buckets of golden sunflowers, bright orange gerberas and deep red roses. That's when our florists know the festive rush has begun.
This year, Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November. Brickfields is already buzzing with its festive bazaar, the oil lamps are coming out, and families are busy planning their open house menus. If you're wondering what to bring when you visit, or how to send your wishes to someone you can't see in person, flowers are one of the simplest and most meaningful gifts you can give.
Here's what we've learned from preparing Deepavali flowers year after year: which blooms to choose, which colours to skip, and what to write on the card.
Why Flowers Matter During Deepavali
During Deepavali, flowers aren't just decoration. They're woven into the whole day. Many families begin the morning with prayers at home or at the temple, offering fresh flowers and garlands. Doorways get dressed with garlands to welcome guests, some families scatter petals over the kolam at the entrance, and a string of jasmine in the hair finishes off a brand-new festive outfit.
That's why a bunch of fresh flowers never feels out of place at a Deepavali open house. It fits right in with everything else that makes the day special.
The Best Flowers for Deepavali
The traditional favourites
If one flower says "Deepavali", it's the marigold. Its golden and orange petals fill garlands and decorations everywhere, and they stand for prosperity and good energy. The lotus is closely linked to Goddess Lakshmi, who is honoured during the festival, and represents purity and good fortune. And then there's jasmine, whose sweet scent is part of so many Deepavali memories.
Our florists' picks for gifting
For gifts, our florists like to capture the same warmth with blooms that look beautiful in a bouquet and hold up well in our weather.
Sunflowers are our top pick. Their golden faces feel made for the Festival of Lights, and they stand for joy and a bright future. Browse our sunflower bouquets.
Gerberas bring instant cheer, especially in orange, yellow or red. They're a favourite for open house tables. Shop gerbera arrangements.
Roses in red or pink are a lovely way to send warm wishes to family and close friends. See our rose collection.
Orchids are the gift that keeps going long after the last guest leaves. A purple phalaenopsis orchid can bloom for weeks.
Florist's tip: Want flowers that still look fresh long after the last open house guest has gone home? Add carnations. They're one of the longest-lasting blooms we work with, often staying fresh for up to two weeks with clean water. They also come in festive reds, oranges and yellows that suit Deepavali perfectly.
Choosing the Right Colours
Deepavali is a celebration of light, so think warm and bright. Yellow and gold stand for prosperity and new beginnings, orange brings warmth and energy, and red is all about joy and good fortune. Pink and purple add a softer, elegant touch if you'd like something a little different.
At Deepavali, our customers' favourite combination is pink and orange. It's bright and festive, with a softer, more elegant feel than an all-red arrangement. If you love that look, our Softly Spoken table flowers are a popular pick.
The one thing to avoid is an all-white or black arrangement. In Hindu custom, white is closely linked to mourning, so it doesn't suit a joyful festival. A few white blooms mixed in with bright colours are perfectly fine.
Deepavali Gift Ideas from Our Florists
Last Deepavali, our best-seller was Sonya. It brings together sunflowers, yellow roses and soft peach carnations in a glass vase finished with a gold ribbon. Its warm golden tones feel made for the Festival of Lights, and because it arrives ready to display, your host can set it straight on the table.
If you're visiting family or close friends, a hand bouquet is the classic choice. Harvest Glow and Coral Embrace both carry that warm, festive feel.
For the open house itself, table flowers work beautifully because the host can set them straight down on the table without hunting for a vase. Sunlit Warmth and Sunbeam Heart bring a golden glow to any spread.
Want something that lasts? An orchid like the Elegant Duo mini phalaenopsis will keep blooming well into the new year. And if you're visiting a big family, a fruit hamper is something everyone can share.
For colleagues and neighbours, a small arrangement such as Georgina starts below RM100 and still makes a lovely impression. You'll find all of these and more in our Deepavali collection.
Heading to an Open House? A Few Friendly Tips
Open houses are one of the best things about celebrating festivals in Malaysia. You arrive as a guest and leave feeling like family, usually with a container of murukku in hand. If it's your first Deepavali open house, here's what's good to know.
Bringing something is always appreciated. Flowers, fruits or sweets are all welcome, and handing them over with your right hand (or both hands) is a small sign of respect. Since cows are sacred in Hinduism, avoid leather gifts and any food containing beef. Many Hindu families also don't drink, so flowers or a fruit hamper are a safer bet than wine.
At the door, slip off your shoes like you would at most Malaysian homes. Bright colours are perfect for the occasion, so save the all-black or all-white outfit for another day.
Can't make it in person this year? Sending flowers before Deepavali is a warm way to let someone know you're thinking of them.
What to Write on Your Deepavali Card
Every Deepavali, we see customers pause at the card message, unsure what to write. Our advice is to keep it short and personal. A sentence that sounds like you is always better than a long, formal one. Here are a few to get you started.
English:
- "Happy Deepavali! Save some murukku for me – see you at the open house!"
- "Wishing you and the family a bright, happy Deepavali. Miss you all!"
- "May this Deepavali bring you as much light as you bring to everyone around you."
Malay:
- "Selamat Hari Deepavali! Semoga diberkati dengan kebahagiaan dan kesejahteraan." (Happy Deepavali! May you be blessed with happiness and well-being.)
Tamil:
- "இனிய தீபாவளி நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்" (Iniya Deepavali Nalvazhthukkal) – Warm Deepavali wishes
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Deepavali 2026 in Malaysia?
Deepavali falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Monday, 9 November is a replacement public holiday in most states.
What flowers are used for Deepavali?
Marigolds, jasmine and lotus are the traditional Deepavali flowers. For gifts, bright sunflowers, gerberas, roses and orchids are popular choices.
What is a good Deepavali gift?
Fresh flowers, orchid plants, fruit hampers and traditional sweets all make thoughtful Deepavali gifts.
What colours should I avoid for Deepavali flowers?
Avoid all-white or black arrangements, as white is associated with mourning in Hindu custom. Choose bright yellow, orange, red or pink instead.
When should I order Deepavali flowers?
Order by 2PM for same-day delivery, which is now available on Sundays too. That means your flowers can arrive right up to Deepavali day itself on Sunday, 8 November. The days before the festival get busy, so ordering a few days ahead is still the best way to secure your favourite design.
Do you deliver Deepavali flowers in Kuala Lumpur?
Yes. We deliver across Kuala Lumpur and selected areas of Selangor, with free delivery in the Kuala Lumpur area. See our delivery guide for details.
From Our Shop to Your Celebration
Whatever you choose, whether it's a golden bouquet for your host, table flowers for the open house, or an orchid for a friend far away, the thought behind it is what makes it special. Our florists will take care of the rest.
Browse our Deepavali collection and order by 2PM for same-day delivery, now available on Sundays too, so your flowers can arrive right up to Deepavali day. We deliver across Kuala Lumpur and selected areas of Selangor, with free delivery in the Kuala Lumpur area.
And once your flowers arrive, our guide on how to make your bouquet last longer will help keep them fresh all through the celebrations.
From all of us at Far East Flora, Happy Deepavali!
