Photo: A diya (traditional clay pot filled with oil) Elisa colored in preparation for her trip to Little India to participate in Deepavali activities.
The first time I went to Little India last week, I accompanied my daughter’s class so that the children could experience Deepavali firsthand. In anticipation of the field trip, the mothers of Indian students had come to school and taught them about this colorful holiday. The lesson even included demonstrating some Bollywood dance steps and painting a henna design on each child’s hand.
Deepavali is one of the biggest Hindu holidays and celebrated by Indian communities all over the globe. The word Deepavali literally means, “rows of lighted lamps,” and it is popular to burn small clay pots filled with oil in honor of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. With 9% of its population Indian, Singapore goes all out to celebrate.
When we arrived in Little India, we exited the bus and were immediately enveloped by smells of curry, incense and Indian spices. One of my charges turned to me and said, “I love the smell of Little India!” I had to agree as we headed to the wet market, where one of the mothers in our group pointed out traditional foods and spices of the sub continent. We then visited a Hindu temple, where she provided us with a glimpse into Hindu worship.
Some of the little ones looked skeptical as we headed to a local café for an array of Indian snacks, but they all agreed to try one bite, and many – including Elisa – found they enjoyed the new flavors. The highlight of the trip, however, was a visit to the colorful Deepavali Bazaar, where each child received two dollars to purchase a holiday card, small clay lamp, and peacock feather, auspicious in the Hindu faith.
As I observed my daughter and her classmates discussing their Indian lunch, “teaching” me about Deepavali, and showing off their new treasures (not to mention the Bollywood dancing Elisa had been doing all week at home), I felt happy. The decision to bring a child overseas is seldom easy, but on this day, I could clearly see the benefits. The firsthand exposure to a new culture and traditions had expanded Elisa’ little world – and mine too. And we are both the better for it.
Related links: Deepavali comes to Singapore