Singapore Deepavali Festival - October - November 2007

A few photos from the Singapore DEEPAVALI Festival.....This year the street lights are in Rangoli (intricate Indian floor art) themed designs. See below the colourful set pieces and vibrant arches lining the streets of Little India.

Little India is lit up every evening from Friday, 12 October 2007 to Sunday, 18 November 2007

further information on Deepavali is located at the end of this posting.






This is the best place to be at to soak up the Deepavali atmosphere.

You can see here (above) where Campbell Street has been totaly closed off to traffic, they have placed a 'roof' over the top and enclosed everything including the market stalls. (see below)



so many items for sale from scarves to ornaments to hangings to brassware, all very colourful!!!

Deepavali or "Festival of Lights" is annually held in November as to celebrate the triumph of Lord Krishna over the evil Narakasura. Lord Krishna symbolizes goodness while Narakasura represents evil; that's why it concerns with "lights," which clearly depict purity. So to speak, light will always win darkness and good can always conquer evil.
Deepavali is considered a most important day of Hindu calendar, and is arranged in Little India, another ethnic area of Singapore. It's times for rejoicing and renewal of especial Hindus and Sikhs. Of course, oil lamps play a unique part of this festival as it is believed that there are spirits of departed relatives who come back to earth and so the lights are the guidance for those wandering souls to their subsequent world. For the Indians, this festival is like a New Year celebration, while they welcome relatives and friends at their own homes for exchanging some blessings.

During this auspicious time, Serangoon Road in Little India and temples in that area such as Sri Veerama Kaliamman, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman, and Sri Srinivasa Perumal are adorned with spectacular display of fairy lights, garlands of jasmine, and colorful arches to mark this festive period. People pour into Little India at night for celebrations, sightseeing, and festive goods such as costumes, food, furniture, arts, crafts, and jewelries.
Deepavali is taken into account of Singapore's important festivals for this time helps harmonize people, promote goodwill, and share understanding through various ethnic groups.