What It’s Like to Celebrate Deepavali in Singapore With Your Loved Ones

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a major religious festival related to Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It happens annually to celebrate the victory of light over darkness that represents good over evil.

This event lasts for five days starting on the 13th day of the half of the lunar month. In 2021, the Deepavali will happen on November 4th. During this time, you can see bright colors and smell alluring aromas covering the streets of Little India in Singapore.

Also called the Festival of Light, Deepavali lets Hindu families observe various practices and traditions. Read on to learn more about how you can celebrate Deepavali in Singapore.

Exchange Gifts

Just like other cultures and festivals, gift-giving is one of the highlights in celebrating Deepavali in Singapore. Gifting tradition further shows respect to ancestors by simply spreading joy and happiness.

Aside from helping the people in need or reconnecting with your family, some of the interesting gifts you can give to your loved ones are scented candles, indoor plants, fruit hampers, Lord Ganesha idol, and other personalized presents.

Favorite Recipes and Meals

No Deepavali celebration is complete without food! Some of the most common recipes and meals served during the celebration are Indian dishes like mithai (sweetmeats), chirote (fried dough), samosa, and lapsi.

Other delectable delights you might want to try are gulab jamun, fried karanji, kheer, murukku, and vadai.

Perform Pooja (Prayers)

During the actual Deepavali day, people wake up early and gather around to pay tribute and worship their dead ancestors. Pooja or Puja are traditionally performed after a daylong fast.

Hindu families use marigold flowers to decorate their houses or offices. They also add some banana leaves as they symbolize the limbs of God and mango leaves that signify the goddess Lakshmi (also known as the goddess of wealth and purity). These leaves are believed to keep the negative energy away from their homes.

Silver Chariot Procession

Another way to celebrate Deepavali in Singapore is by joining the Silver Chariot procession. This is a religious ritual where devotees and volunteers carry an image of the festival’s deity known as utsuva marti.

Along with the priests and other worshippers, the silver chariot is towed across Indian temples in Singapore. It is believed that public spectators will receive divine blessings from the deity.

Visit Little India

As part of Deepavali in Singapore, Hindu families roam around Little India to check out bazaars and take photos of various monumental installations.

Other things you can see around the neighborhood are scents of floral garlands and incense, jewelry stalls, traditional snacks, ornamental decorations, and embroidered sari (traditional Indian womenswear).

There are also musical performances that you can enjoy with the whole family. Some attendees simply want to chill at their favorite coffee house while drinking a mug of teh arik (pulled milk tea).