The Festival of Lights!!

Diwali or Deepavali, popularly known as the Festival of Lights, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar Calendar. Hindus all over the world would celebrate the victory of good over evil or light over darkness, in which oil lamps are lit to thank the Gods for the happiness, knowledge, health and wealth received in their households.

Its all about the lights ... the bright lights are everywhere, as are the people!!

In Singapore, houses are thoroughly cleaned and new clothes are bought during this season.  Temples such as Sri Veeramakaliamman, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal and streets in Little India are lit with a spectacular and dazzling array of display lights to welcome one and all. 

 

Since September 23rd the "Lights Up" have been seen in Racecourse and Serangoon Roads as well as many of the side streets .... it has been a month of colour, lights, people, food and all the festivities that goes with Deepavali.

Tonight is the countdown.

From 9:00pm tonight the Deepavali Countdown Concert is a spectacular open-air concert on Racecourse Road they count down to the season’s closing. 

Last night we went walking down in the Little India area of Singapore with two of our friends and it was quite crowded, tonight the crowds are expected to double.

  Traditionally celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains during the period after the monsoon season, Deepavali is one of the brightest, most vibrant festivals in our city. While it started out as a one-day tradition (the official day is 26 October this year), celebrations now take up two weeks.

The Little India area of Singapore is one of my favourite areas here ..... I like nothing better than to explore the side streets, eat the food and talk with the locals.

Happy Diwali to my friends!