Deepavali Festival of Lights As one of the major cultural festivals in Singapore, Deepavali (also known as “Diwali” or the “Festival of Lights”) is a celebration that marks the triumph of good over evil.
By Melinda Murphy
56 LIVING IN SINGAPORE
For more than 30 years now, Little India has gone all out for the Festival of Lights which means the festival is not only significant to the Hindu community here, but all of Singapore. The spectacular event is organized by the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA). They start planning in February, hoping to make each year more special than the last. This year’s main arch is based on the Temple Tower or Gopuram. Traditionally in any place in India, the Temple Tower will be the tallest building and it will be set with metal kalasam (a pot-like design). This is to attract lightning so as to protect the Community. Additionally, there are always certain grains and seeds kept in the kalasam so as to renew life giving food in case of floods and droughts. With this year offering so many
