Deepavali Festival of Lights

By Melinda Murphy

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.

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 challenges such as Covid and flooding in India and across the globe, this made perfect sense for the theme.

Cellappan Sankaranathan, the owner of the ever-popular restaurant The Banana Leaf Apolo, is this year’s chairman of LISHA. “In times of a pandemic, we need such festivals and events to uplift the spirits of the community at large, and Deepavali being the Festival of Light is such an occasion to bring joy and hope to the people, irregardless of the race or religion.“

And he’s right: the lights really do lift the spirits. Two roads in Little India are decorated: 42 sets of lights adorn Serangoon Road and another 12 sets grace Race Course Road for a total of 54 sets. All told, there are about a million LED bulbs, used in seven color combinations. The result is a true feast for the senses.

Of course, things are a little different during times of Covid. In years past, there was a massive bazaar, a true shopper’s paradise filled with everything you can imagine. The bazaar isn’t allowed during the pandemic, but the resident shops are still open. Restaurants can only sit two at a time and crowds to see the lights are discouraged. Despite the reduced capacity, you should still make an effort to go. A stroll through Little India this time of year can do wonders for the soul.

Interesting tidbit? Singapore’s Little India is the only light up of its kind in the world. Rajakumar Chandra is the Senior Advisor to Lisha and former chairman for 15 years. He’s very proud that LISHA strives to bring the magic of India to the people in Asia. “One nine-year-old boy from Singapore went to India with his family. He turned around to his dad and said, ‘Dad, this place is just like Little India in Singapore!’ I just love that!”

In 2021, Deepavali falls on November 4, but it is celebrated for almost two months. This year’s light up was on September 25 and the lights will stay up until November 18. The light up ceremony was officiated by several Ministers, including Alvin Tan.

“Our LISHA have worked hard to put this together and our Singapore Tourism Board and MOCA - Moulmein Cairnhill are close partners,” said Tan. “Come enjoy the lights, but please do so safely and in observance of our safety measures.”

The magical lights do indeed bring lots of gawkers. Pre-covid, there an estimated four million visitors to see the lights; 1.6 million of them were tourists.