The Indian Festival of Lights Begins

Deepavali Festival is arriving in Singapore; it starts on the 10th November. The Deepavali festival is the most famous and important Indian festival in Singapore, it is held in Little India, where the Indian Community is established. The meaning of Deepavali itself is symbolic, it indicates “row of lights”. It is a celebration that symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. There are different legends about how it started, one states that after lord Krishna killed the tyrant Narakasura, people lit lamps to welcome lord Krishna and the tradition continues;  another tells that Lord Rama returned from his fourteen year long exile and vanquished the demon-king Ravana and the people then celebrated this by lighting oil lamps. 

So that’s why today thousands of Hindu families all around Singapore light their homes with warm and golden lights. They also offer prayers, exchange gifts and share food together. During the festival, the main road in Little India is artistically and cleverly decorated with many colorful and bright lights, street decorations and fireworks. Traditional and cultural activities, street parades and  concerts take place together with impressive bazaars with traditional clothing, painted oil lamps, aromatic flowers like marigolds, roses and jasmines, and amazing jewelry. Indian handicrafts will also be on sale, as well as many Indian delicacies like the tasty curry with fresh 'roti prata' (dough flat bread) or the traditional a 'teh tarik' (frothy milk tea).

Visitors can also keep an eye out for the Deepavali Thaata (grandfather), the local Indian version of Santa Claus, who will take to the streets to distribute sweets and tell the story of Deepavali's origin. This festival is part of a very colorful and vivid culture, it is one of the most beautiful festivals in Singapore.