Deepavali in Singapore 2008:
7 Ways to Enjoy the Festival of Lights
Deepavali in Singapore 2008 and beyond - the No. 1 Tip:
Head down to Race Course Road on the eve of Deepavali
for the Countdown Concert & Fireworks.
If you are a Hindu, you probably won't need the information on this page. But for the rest of us, here are some tips to enjoy Deepavali in Singapore, come September-October 2008.
On this page: [A Few Photos] [Deepavali in Brief] [Tips & Schedule for Visitors]
Could Hindu readers help with this question, please?
How do you celebrate Deepavali Day?
Deepavali Light Up on Serangoon Road
- A Few Photos
Firstly, a few photos to whet your appetite. I took these at the Deepavali Street Light Up in Little India. Truly, it's the Festival of Lights...
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The Deepavali Light Up as seen from the junction of Bukit Timah Road and Serangoon Road. |
The Deepavali Light Up in Little India gives a new meaning to the Festival of Lights. Look at this stretch of lights near the Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple. Aren't they dizzying? |
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Oil lamps made out of gouched-out limes! Isn't this imaginative? But limes have a special meaning in Hindu worship. They are usually used to symbolise protection. So the devotee who lit these lime-lamps was probably praying for protection, either for himself or for his family. |
Meaning of Deepavali, Very Briefly
Deepavali in Sanskrit means 'rows of lights'. So it is quite apt to call Deepavali the 'Festival of Lights'.
There are several legends which explain why lamps are lit during Deepavali. But there seems to be a common theme about these legends: good will eventually overcome evil. So by lighting lamps during Deepavali, Hindus celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
It's a time to drop bad habits and bring on the good. It's a time to let knowledge triumph over ignorance. It represents the dawn of good things to come. Join in the fun - usher in the good times during Deepavali in Singapore!
7 Ways to Enjoy Deepavali in Singapore 2008
Note to Visitors: Are you already planning to celebrate Deepavali 2009 in Singapore? The following tips may be for 2008, but they do give you a glimpse of what to expect for 2009. Happy planning for your 2009 Singapore vacation. |
No doubt about it, Little India is the place to be in the month leading to Deepavali Day. Want to enjoy Deepavali in Singapore 2008? Here are 7 suggestions:
- Enjoy the Deepavali Street Light Up on Serangoon Road!
Dates: 20 Sep 08 to 2 Nov 08
Time: 7pm onwards
This is a must-do if you are planning on celebrating Deepavali in Singapore.
I can almost hear you say, 'Duh? Tell me something new, Gabriel!' Ok, here goes...
Go to Queen Street and head to the trishaw park near the Bugis Street Bazaar. Negotiate a price with one of the trishaw drivers. And convince him to give you a ride down Serangoon Road, especially the 1.5km stretch between Sungei Road and Lavender Street, where the Light Up is most beautiful. (see the photos above)
There are few things quite as enchanting as seeing the lights from a trishaw...
Else, just take the MRT to Little India Station and begin a walking tour from there. If you are a tourist, you may want to sign up for a Free Deepavali Walking Tour (available 20 Sep 08 to 26 Oct 08; 7pm, 7,30pm, 8pm). Registration begins 30 minutes before the tour at InnCrowd Backpackers', 73 Dunlop Street.
- Dine at one of Little India's vegetarian restaurants.
Get the trishaw rider to drop you off at one of many vegetarian restaurants in Little India. There are many but here are 2 of my favourites:
- Komala Vilas Restaurant
76/78 Serangoon Road
- Chellas Restaurant
70 Serangoon Road
Vegetarian food is a major aspect Hindu life.
- Komala Vilas Restaurant
- Wander into one of the 3 major temples on Serangoon Road.
The most convenient of these temples is perhaps the Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple at the junction of Serangoon Road and Belilios Road. Mingle with the worshipers and figure out what each ritual means. Why the garlands on the deities? Why the giving out of bananas after prayers? Why the dotting of the forehead by the priests?
This is Hinduism 101 for the uninitiated. And you get a better sense of what Deepavali in Singapore means, away from the decorative lights.
- Get your hand henna-painted at the Deepavali Bazaar (Campbell Lane).
See it as a temporary tatoo! And the artists will have a folio of sample designs for you to choose from.
Dates: 20 Sep 08 to 26 Oct 08
Time: 11am - 10pm
- Watch or join in the Deepavali Street Parade.
Singing, dancing and merry-making. A celebration of Indian culture and performing arts.
Date: 24 Oct 08
Time: 7pm
Venue: Race Course Road near Little India MRT Station
- Countdown to Deepavali Day and Fireworks. Celebrate with the stars!
Join the stars from India and Singapore and countdown to Deepavali Day. Hosted by local celebrities from Vasantham Central channel.
Date: 26 Oct 08
Time:
Countdown Concert from 8pm
Fireworks at 11.59pm
(Please don't turn up on the wrong day!)
Venue: Race Course Road near Little India MRT Station
- Arrange to visit a Hindu family and join in the festivities.
There are families who are ready to host visitors during their Deepavali celebrations. Contact the Singapore Tourism Board at +65 6736 6622 and see if they could hook you up with a host family during your visit.
Related to Deepavali in Singapore
24-Hour Shopping in Little India
Shopping for Deepavali in Singapore
