Celebrating Deepavali Through Stories of Unity, Resilience, and Hope - A Look at This Year’s Most Inspiring Advertisements

Today, homes across the world glow a little brighter as families gather to celebrate Deepavali, the Festival of Lights. As the oil lamps flicker and fireworks light up the sky, brands have joined in with their own sparks, unveiling advertisements that pay homage to the spirit of the festival. Each of these ads tells a story—a reflection on tradition, family bonds, hope, and resilience.

They bring together elements of our shared heritage while celebrating the unique ways people honor this special day. Join us as we explore the most inspiring and visually stunning Deepavali advertisements released this season, each one a tribute to the warmth, light, and love that fill our lives today.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad

This year, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) has featured our nation’s shining star, Arulini, in its Deepavali advertisement. Arulini has made Malaysia proud with her remarkable journey on the acclaimed Sa Re Ga Ma Pa singing show. The advertisement beautifully portrays her inspiring path—how she overcame personal challenges through relentless effort, hard work, and the unwavering support of her mother, ultimately becoming the star she is today. Through Arulini’s story, TNB delivers a heartfelt message: “Love is the source of strength, helping to overcome all challenges.”

Maybank

Maybank has released a Deepavali advertisement titled “Lighthouse,” featuring the renowned coach R. Jeganathan, who brings over 40 years of experience to Malaysian athletics. As one of the nation’s most prolific coaches, Coach Jeganathan has dedicated his career to training athletes, including those with disabilities, with unwavering kindness and spirit. The video reflects on his legacy, showcasing how he has consistently offered love and support to every athlete he has trained, illuminating their paths much like a lighthouse guiding ships through the dark.

Maxis

This year, Maxis’ Deepavali advertisement highlights the importance of cherished connections. The ad encourages us to embrace and preserve our traditional practices, reminding us not to lose touch with our roots. It beautifully portrays how Maxis bridges the distance between a mother and daughter separated by miles, enabling them to share the joy of this special occasion through a heartfelt video call.

CelcomDigi

CelcomDigi’s Deepavali advertisement, titled “Inbam,” tells the story of two grandchildren who go to great lengths to recreate a cherished memory for their grandmother, reuniting her with long-lost friends through the power of advanced technology. Notably, her friends include individuals from Chinese and Malay backgrounds, symbolizing the unity and harmony that define Malaysia. This touching portrayal reflects the spirit of togetherness that transcends cultural boundaries, bringing joy to family and friends alike on this festive occasion.

Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Aviation Group has released a Deepavali advertisement celebrating the unity that binds us as Malaysians in honour of the Festival of Lights. The advertisement beautifully illustrates the spirit of togetherness and harmony shared among diverse communities, reflecting the joy and unity that make this festival so special.

AmBank Group

AmBank has created a heartfelt and meaningful Deepavali advertisement for this year’s festival. It tells the story of a family struck by tragedy: after a devastating accident, the mother passes away, leaving the son visually impaired and the father overwhelmed by grief, losing his drive for life. Their home, once filled with light, feels empty without the mother’s presence. However, their neighbors, a diverse group of friends from different races, are determined to see the father and son happy again. Together, they make an extraordinary effort to bring warmth and joy to their Deepavali, helping the family emerge from darkness and rekindle the light in their lives. This touching advertisement highlights the unity and compassion of a multicultural community, showing how, by coming together, we can celebrate and uplift one another through life’s most challenging moments.

Taylor’s University

This year, Taylor’s University’s Deepavali advertisement addresses the important issue of cyberbullying. The ad highlights the impact that negative comments can have on a person’s mindset and self-worth, illustrating how hurtful remarks about a young girl’s singing and appearance lead her to feel discouraged and ultimately give up music. However, one positive comment transforms her outlook, lifting her spirits and restoring her confidence. Through this powerful message, Taylor’s University uses the Deepavali festival as an opportunity to raise awareness and encourage a supportive, kind community online and offline.

Air Selangor

Air Selangor’s Deepavali advertisement this year highlights the warmth of familial bonds. The ad captures the emotions of parents who deeply miss their children abroad during the festive season, reminding us of a parent’s unwavering love for all their children, near or far. Through this touching story, Air Selangor celebrates the importance of family connections and the love that transcends distance.

Tune Talk

Tune Talk brings a profound message with its Deepavali campaign this year, reminding us that not everyone experiences the festival in the same way. While many prepare to celebrate, children and the elderly in care homes often yearn to share in the joy. Tune Talk collaborated with Mr. Sai Pandian, who has been running a children’s home since 2011 and has raised over 100 children, to bring festive cheer to his home. They organized engaging activities for the kids, including haircuts, dance sessions with ‘Podu Step’eh’ instructor, magic performances by Magician Muhamad Bin Ismail, henna art by Shalyn, and haircuts by barber Logaraj. The joy and excitement on the children’s faces were truly priceless, making this Deepavali unforgettable.

MR. DIY

This year, MR. DIY’s Deepavali advertisement beautifully captures the enduring love a grandmother has for her grandson, even as she struggles with memory loss. The ad poignantly illustrates that while life changes and moments come and go, true love remains constant, lasting forever.

Petronas

This year, Petronas presents the theme “Shine Together” for Deepavali, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence in pursuing our dreams. The advertisement conveys a powerful message that we should support one another, fostering unity and growth so that everyone can shine together.

APPUNENE by Your Maker and Vinoth Raj Pillai

In addition, Vinoth Raj Pillai (VRP) and Creative Agency Your Maker have created a powerful and thought-provoking video for the community, sparking much-needed awareness. Their 4-minute, 26-second video titled “APPUNENE,” released on Instagram, takes a mockumentary approach, featuring three Chinese women sharing accounts of their supposed “abductions” by the “Ah Pu Neh Neh.” This character, used in local folklore, is familiar to many Malaysians, especially within Chinese communities, as a variation of the bogeyman—a figure featured in cautionary tales and parental warnings.

This figure has evolved into something darker in modern times, becoming associated with racial stereotypes—rebranded as the “Ah Pu Neh Neh,” a derogatory caricature aimed at certain ethnic groups. In “APPUNENE,” VRP and Your Maker creatively address this sensitive issue by revealing how harmful stereotypes and racial bias can be embedded within seemingly innocent tales, bringing to light the need for greater awareness and inclusivity in how communities share folklore and stories.

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These Deepavali advertisements bring an array of emotions and valuable lessons, reflecting the richness and diversity of Malaysian culture. Each brand has embraced the festival as an opportunity to celebrate unity, family bonds, compassion, and resilience, while also addressing important social issues like inclusivity, mental health, and the impact of stereotypes. Together, these campaigns remind us of the power of storytelling to connect, uplift, and inspire us to be kinder and more aware as we move forward as a community. This Deepavali, as lights fill homes and hearts with joy, we are invited to carry forward these messages, making the world a little brighter for everyone around us.