Deepavali is a traditional Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. On this day, Hindus light oil lamps and pray to deities such as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The festival involves exchanging gifts and sharing a feast, symbolizing the pursuit of a bright and beautiful life. In Singapore, where the Indian community is the third largest ethnic group, Deepavali is an important cultural festival.
Eager to be part of the grand celebrations? Head to Little India and witness streets transformed into a vibrant wonderland with colorful arches and dazzling lights.
In Little India, a light-up ceremony is held a month before Deepavali, transforming Serangoon Road into a vibrant, colorful spectacle full of festive cheer. During this time, Hindu families from all over the island flock to Little India, bustling through lively markets and taking photos amid the dazzling decorations. The festival lights and decorations continue to be displayed for a month after Deepavali, allowing visitors from around the world to join locals in celebrating and soaking up the festive atmosphere.
1. Explore the Market
Campbell Lane transforms into a lively market during Deepavali, with brightly decorated shops offering a variety of Indian specialties. Visitors are dazzled by shimmering gold, gemstones, intricately embroidered saris, and glistening oil lamps. Marigolds, roses, and jasmine are woven into clusters of garlands, mingling with the sweet scents of perfumes, Indian spices, and Ayurvedic massage oils.
You can follow the scent of garlands and incense through the market, get intricate Indian henna designs on your arms, don a traditional sari, and stroll through Little India. You can also enjoy a cup of Indian tea (teh tarik) and attend an outdoor music concert to fully experience the unique festival atmosphere.
2. Visit the Temples
During Deepavali, two famous Indian temples showcase spectacular Deepavali lights and decorations.
One is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. Don’t miss its impressive tower, bell-adorned entrance, and intricately carved ceiling filled with numerous Indian deities.
The other is Sri Mariamman Temple, known for its “Silver Chariot procession”, which starts here. Devotees pull a silver chariot carrying a statue of the goddess Sri Drowpathai Amman from Chinatown to Little India.
About a week before Deepavali, Sri Mariamman Temple also hosts another cultural event: Theemithi (Fire Walking Festival). During this all-night ritual, thousands of male devotees walk barefoot over burning coals as an act of devotion to the goddess.
3. Welcoming the Deities
During Deepavali, Hindus decorate their doorways with vibrant patterns made from flour, rice, or flower petals. These intricate designs, known as rangoli, may feature geometric shapes, floral patterns, or detailed depictions of animals and nature. They are created to invite deities into the home, seeking their blessings for the year ahead.
4. Deepavali Cuisine
As a religious festival, some Hindus choose to avoid meat during Deepavali but always indulge in sweets.
Mithai: It’s a traditional Indian sweet that is often enjoyed during celebrations.
Murruku: Made from flour, lentil flour, sesame seeds, and cumin, Murruku is shaped using special tools and deep-fried. As a quintessential Deepavali snack, it is widely enjoyed by Hindus during the festival.
Laddoo: Laddoo are sweet balls made from milk, gram flour, and ghee, with a golden color and a syrupy sheen. These round treats symbolize sweetness, happiness, and prosperity.
5. Origins of Deepavali
Deepavali is linked to several Indian myths, including the story of Lord Krishna defeating the demon Narakasura, who terrorized the heavens and hell. The festival symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It encourages Hindus to uphold their cultural traditions, remain optimistic about the future, and strive for progress.
