One evening before sitting down to dinner we took a walk through a nearby Hindu temple that had been recently renovated. The Hindu temples are so intricate in design with all the gods, animals, flowers, and instruments. The yellow, pink, and green colors painted throughout are so vibrant.
Before entering took off our footwear and washed our feet at the wash station. The courtyard of the temple has a large structure that separately looks like horses at one end, giant circle stones, and a bunch of gods on a cube under a pergola. Pitting that whole image together in your mind, it becomes a chariot with the horses pulling the gods.
A shell with a three headed snake was Tage’s favorite piece of art. Walking down the corridors of the temple are several altars where different gods are worshipped. Some are behind closed gates and other gates are open. Some are decorated with flower wreaths and others have incense smoking around them.
The Indian New Year, Deepavali, is coming up next week. Celebrations are happening in about a week. Even our apartment lobby is brightly decorated with lights and streamers for the holiday. I’m curious to know what the customs are surrounding this holiday. One more item to put on my cultural to do list with the family.
Men who work at the temple dress in a small skirt (I’m sure it has a name other than skirt) with a necklace around their necks and some have anklets. In the center of the temple is a small room covered by a tapestry. There is, what looked like to me, garbage on the floor. I am not sure what they do behind the curtain. I’m sure it is a religious purpose, but not knowing anything about the Hindu religion, it is a different sight to me.
The tile on the floor shines and reflects the bright yellows and golds making the interior of the temple very bright. Dragons carved on pillars down the hallways, chandeliers hang from the ceilings, and different sculptures adorn the ceiling making it seem like an art museum. Really, I could have spent hours there asking questions and looking round at all the art work. 
Having these cultural experiences with the family encourages us to be more tolerant of others. They are worshipping how they believe and I am grateful for the freedom and choice we still have in this part of Malaysia.
Take a walk through a local religious center that you’ve been curious about or want to share with your family. The children ask great questions and it’s fun to research as a family the different customs and beliefs of a religion and culture.