Deepavali Carnival 2019 in Bukit Jalil


saree gold accessories
Image adapted from: Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia, Indigo Mumbai  

The largest annual Deepavali Carnival is back for its 2019 run – from 18th -26th October 2019 at Bukit Jalil Stadium’s open car park area. The carnival started in 2002 with only 40 booths, and has since grown into the largest Deepavali carnival in Malaysia with over 400 booths selling accessories, sarees, lehengas, ghagra cholis and more. 

You’re likely going to need almost a whole day to weave your way through all these stalls. But you don’t have to worry about sweating it out, since the shopping booths are all under an air-conditioned sheltered canopy space. 

shoppers at deepavali carnival bukit jalil
The carnival attracts over 400,000 visitors annually
Image credit: Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia

You can expect a stunning display of Indian ethnic wear and accessories, both locally made and imported from India and Pakistan. Some of the earrings and accessories can cost as low as RM10. 

shoppers buying jewellery deepavali carnival bukit jalil
Image credit: Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia


Clothing and accessories for every budget


Shopping here is a huge draw because the clothing and accessories are a lot cheaper than what you may find in many shops in KL. This is because the items are sold by the manufacturers directly, so there’s no middlemen getting a cut. 

Prices for sarees start as low as RM80, which is a steal considering one can cost as much as RM150 in KL’s most popular ethnic clothing stores. Even if you’re unable to find your exact size at one store, you may be able to find a similar make in another booth. There are also booths selling high-end sarees and bridal wear that can cost up to RM1,000. 

indian wear gaghra kurta deepavali carnival bukit jalil
Men and women’s fashion – gaghra cholis, kurtas and colourful cholis (shawls)
Image credit: Indigo Mumbai


Refuel on Indian street food or catch the stage performances


Shopping can be tiring, especially when you’re on a marathon shopping spree with so much ground to cover. Right at the entrance to the carnival, there is a food court ready to serve up some great Indian street food and sweets. 

Previous events had quite the spread with pani puri, Indian sweets and beverage stalls serving lassi and tea. Just fill your plates up and grab a chair at the free seating area so you can savour every bite. This year, they will also be selling briyani and other heartier meals, so you can indulge in more than just snacks. 

food court deepavali carnival 2019 bukit jalil
Last year’s busy food court seating area
Image credit: @anneinagoodmood

You’ll also spot some stalls selling both street food and Indian sweets inside the exhibition booth areas, so you can pick up some snacks as you shop. 

sweets deepavali carnival bukit jalil
Image credit: Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia

There’s also entertainment, from fashion shows and competitions to full-fledged concerts. In previous years, there were dhol drummers and even dance performances. 

This month’s performers will be confirmed soon, so check out their Facebook or the event page for updates. 

stage show deepavali carnival bukit jalil
Past event stage set up to showcase Deepavali performers
Image credit: @mjagathees 


2019 Deepavali Carnival At Bukit Jalil


The event will run for 9 days right until Deepavali eve. So if you find that a whole day isn’t enough to explore every inch of the carnival, you can always come back again. Nothing puts you in a festive mood like great bargains, good food and adrenaline-filled performances.  

Deepavali Carnival 2019
Address: Open Car Park B, National Sports Complex Bukit Jalil, Jalan Barat, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Dates: 18th – 26th October 2019
Opening hours: 12PM-10PM   
Telephone: 03-2278 5555
Website

To catch up on recent news, read our other articles:

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.