Kuala lumpur: Celebrating Deepavali or the Festival of Lights is not just about the victory of good over evil, but one that focuses on aspects of cleanliness, prosperity and self-discipline. All these aspects are manifested through the glow of the vilakku (light) or the traditional oil lamp which for the Indian community, especially in Malaysia, is not just a decoration but carries a deep meaning.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, each time Deepavali approaches, the copper or brass lamp becomes an essential item, and it must be polished to shine brightly in celebration of the festival of lights. Cleanstant Metal Polishing (Cleanstant) director K. Letchumi Devi, 69, who runs a traditional lamp repair and polishing service, said the lamp, made of copper, is considered an object that absorbs positive energy and vibes during religious ceremonies. She emphasized that the shiny condition of the lamp reflects the meticulous care and discipline of its owner, symbolizing the readiness to receive prosperity and joy, and highlighting that Deepavali is a time to welcome the good things in life.
Letchumi Devi noted that shiny lamps also signify care towards tradition and culture, with various types of vilakku, such as the Kamachi vilakku and Man vilakku. She added that the multi-layered or multi-level lamp is popular for symbolizing multiple prosperity. Meanwhile, her son, B. Kanishen, also a company director, mentioned that while there are no specific cleanliness requirements for the lamp, a shiny and clean appearance is preferred.
Kanishen explained that Cleanstant, which started in 2015, offers polishing and restoration services for copper and brass, though conventional polishing tends to last only a short time before oxidation. To address this, Cleanstant uses industrial-grade technology for polishing that can last up to five years for unused items and offers gold coating services for additional shine and longevity.
He shared that in addition to restoring old lamps, Cleanstant produces innovative products like patented Thiri (copper wick) holders, which have sold over 40,000 units since August last year. Kanishen also highlighted the Thiri adjuster, a tool allowing users to adjust the wick without extinguishing the flame.
Kanishen reported that demand for Cleanstant's services increases by about 50 percent ahead of major festivals like Deepavali and Ponggal. Despite this, the sale of innovative products, such as Thiri holders, remains stable throughout the year, with significant interest from international markets such as Singapore, the United States, and Australia.
He expressed optimism about the company's growth prospects, as many are still unaware of the specialized services it offers.