Deepavali, The Festival of Lights
Deepavali is one of the most important day for Hindus. Anually held in November, Deepavali or the “Festival of Lights” celebrates the triumph of Lord Krishna over the evil Narakasura. Lord Krishna symbolizes goodness while Narakasura represents evil; light in the midst of darkness.
Oil lamps play a unique part of this festival as it is believed that there are spirits of departed relatives who come back to earth and so the lights are the guidance for those wandering souls to their subsequent world. For the Indians, this festival is the equivalent of the New Year celebration, while they welcome relatives and friends at their own homes for exchanging some blessings.
Most of the activities are centered at Little India where people pour at night for evening roadside stalls, booming music and strings of colourful lights. Shoppers throng the streets in search of the perfect sari to wear, or to fill their baskets with Indian foods and spices. Hindu homes are lighted with oil lamps, and offerings of sweetmeats and garlands of jasmine are placed at the family altar. It is one of the “One City, Three Festivals” celebrated in Singapore which helps harmonize people, promote goodwill, and share understanding through various ethnic groups.
Deepavali, The Festival of Lights in Singapore
