This week, we have three days off to celebrate Deepavali, or as some people call it, Diwali, an important Hindu holiday. The word
Deepavali literally means, “rows of lighted lamps,” and the celebration is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. Traditionally, little clay lamps are filled with oil and lined up along buildings or in windows, gardens and courtyards to honor Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.
During this colorful holiday, Hindus are expected to clean and then decorate their houses with flower garlands, paper chains, and good-luck doorstep designs made with colored powders. Popular games during Deepavali include playing cards, dressing up in special clothes and jewels and sharing boxes of sweets with family and friends. The holiday lasts for five days and falls sometime in October or November and celebrates the end of the harvest.
I’ve visited Singapore’s Little India neighborhood a couple of times this week to soak up the festive atmosphere. As I strolled through the Deepavali bazaar, I was once again impressed by this country’s multi-culturalism. With a population of 4.7 million, Sinagpore boasts four official languages: Mandarin Chinese, Tamil (an Indian language), English, and Malay. The government works hard to ensure unity among its diverse population, which is – roughly – 75% Chinese, 13% Malay, and 9% Indian, and 3% other nationalities. In attempt to be fair, each of the main ethnic groups receives an equal number of holidays during the course of the year.
This week, all eyes are on Little India, where activities include the Deepavali Bazaar, evening display of lights, Trade Fair, and Countdown Concert. If that’s not enough, you can also visit one of the Hindu Temples in the area. For more information, click here.