Deepavali in Malaysia usually means open houses, colourful kolam and jars of murukku on every table. This year, one Selangor mall is adding a dance circle, live music and a henna art workshop to the festive mix. Sanctuary of Lights, a free celebration curated by culture collective Beats N Bru, takes over Sanctuary Mall in Bandar Rimbayu on Saturday, 14 November 2026, from 12pm to 8pm.
Presented in collaboration with Sanctuary Mall and Kuro Haus, the event is open to all and planned with families in mind. Its goal is simple: to give everyday mall-goers a warm, welcoming taste of Malaysian Indian culture, led by the artists and makers who live it.
Who Is Behind Sanctuary of Lights?
Beats N Bru is a culture collective founded by Kieya to build spaces where Malaysian Indian creatives and diverse communities can connect through music, art and hangouts. It began by spotlighting Malaysian Indian talent and has since grown into a wider community celebrating a shared Malaysian identity, with events built around music, art and storytelling.
That community-led approach shapes Sanctuary of Lights. Rather than a typical festive bazaar, the afternoon brings local artists, cultural practitioners and independent makers together under one roof, turning a regular weekend mall trip into a cultural outing.
5 Highlights at Sanctuary of Lights
1. Live Music You Can Sing Along To
Local talents including Arvind Raj and Music Kitchen take the stage with live sets. In between performances, DJs keep the energy going with Tamil and Bollywood favourites, so expect familiar choruses and a crowd that is happy to sing along.
2. The Garba Community Dance Circle
Garba, a circular folk dance from Gujarat traditionally performed during Navratri, gets a community spin here. The Garba Community Dance Circle invites the whole crowd to join in, whether you have danced it for years or never tried it before. No experience is needed, just good energy and a willingness to move.
3. Henna on Canvas Workshop
Henna, known locally as inai or mehndi, is a familiar part of festive celebrations. The Henna on Canvas workshop takes a creative look at henna as both an art form and a cultural expression. It is one of the free workshops visitors can try on the day, making it a relaxed way to learn something new.
4. A Marketplace of Local Makers
Local businesses, makers and independent vendors fill the mall with products you won’t find at the usual Deepavali stalls. It is a good chance to pick up a unique festive gift or a treat for the house while supporting small Malaysian brands.
5. Cultural Acts and Freebies
Cultural performances add colour to the programme alongside the music, and the organisers have freebies lined up for visitors. With free entry and an eight-hour window, families can drop in after lunch or stay on into the evening.
More Than a Festive Bazaar
The event’s name nods to Deepavali’s meaning as the festival of lights, which celebrates the victory of light over darkness. Many malls in the Klang Valley mark the occasion with grand décor, such as the royal palace courtyard at Suria KLCC this Deepavali. This celebration takes a different route by putting local creatives and community connection at the centre.
It also joins other events this season that celebrate Malaysian Indian identity through the arts, including The Light We Carry art exhibition in KL. For families in and around Bandar Rimbayu, it is a festive outing close to home that the whole household can enjoy together.
Plan Your Visit to Sanctuary of Lights
- Event: Sanctuary of Lights, a Deepavali curation by Beats N Bru
- Date: Saturday, 14 November 2026
- Time: 12pm to 8pm
- Venue: Sanctuary Mall, 8/3, Eco Santuari, Persiaran Eco Sanctuary, Bandar Rimbayu, 42500 Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor
- Entry: Free, open to all and family-friendly
For performer line-ups and updates ahead of the day, follow Beats N Bru on Instagram.
