Roger and Stephen in Singapore: Deepavali

Tuesday, 7 October 2014

Deepavali celebrations

Deepavali celebrations are in full swing in Little India in Singapore. Deepavali falls on the 22nd of October this year and the streets of Little India have been lit up with elaborate decorations that captivate the crowds at night. Large temporary markets are both crowded with stall holders selling decorations and food for the festival as well as people shopping for the celebration.
Deppavali is also known as the Festival of lights and is the most important festival in Hinduism. The festival is the celebration of good over evil and light overcoming darkness.

The gateway to Little India

Centrepiece of the display is the Goddess of Wealth - Mahalakshmi

Elephant

Happy Deepavali

Lights along Serangoon Rd

Diya (lamp )

The sacred Peacock features heavily in this years display

Diya symbols also feature in the display

Goddess of Wealth - Mahalakshmi

Garlands in the market

Decorations for the home

The festival market

Tuesday, 13 November 2012

Deepavali

Today is a public holiday in Singapore to celebrate Deepavali or Diwali which is a major festival for the Indian community.

It is believed that Narakasura, a demon, ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. Under his rule, the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace. Seeing his wickedness, Lord Khrishna set out to destroy the demon and the day Narakasura died was celebrated as Deepavali, the triumph of good over evil

Little India has been lit up with decorations for many weeks and has been very crowded with people buying decorations for their homes from the temporary market stalls set up.

Deepavali is a colourful festival that is celebrated by Hindus and is also known as the festival of lights. One important practise that the Hindus follow during the festival is to light oil lamps in their homes on Deepavali morning. By lighting the oil lamps, the Hindus are thanking the gods for the happiness, knowledge, peace and wealth that they have received. The Hindus consider Deepavali as one of the most important festivals to celebrate.

The rituals today include rising early in the morning to have an oil bath, which is an important feature of Deepavali. Hindus will be dressed in their new clothes on Deepavali. Most of the ladies would be in new silk saris or Punjabi suits of various bright shades. Many will also pay their respects to the elderly and most families would go to the temple after having breakfast. Giving of gifts is also common as well as children playing with firecrackers to celebrate the festival.