Deepavali

Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus all around the world. It is also known as the festival of lights. Despite the many legends connected to Deepavali, they all have a common theme of the triumph of good over evil.One popular legend is the story of Rama and Sita and the vanquishing of the demon king after returning frmo a long exile. In Singapore, the Indians and Hindus in Singapore celebrate Deepavali with many lights and candle decorations, which creates a warm and joyous atmosphere.

Singapore is a multi cultural country and the Indians form 9.2% of our population. In celebration of Deepavali, there will be numerous activities such as Indian Heritage and Craft Exhibition, Street Parade, and the Countdown Concert that'll expose you to a different culture. Every year, during Deepavali, the streets of Serangoon road were lighted up with extravagant lights and the finest decorations that are guaranteed to amaze you. Here are some pictures from the light up in 2010.

For a cultural experience, you can also visit the 3 major temples in Singapore located in Serangoon road for and go through the ritual with the worshipers to find out more about Deepavali, understand and experience it first hand.

For those of you who are interested in big celebration ceremonies consisting of fireworks, music, and entertainment, head down to Little India, which is easily accessible by train, and there will be a street parade and a concert for Deepavali every year that will blow your mind.

In 2010, there was also a bazaar with different indian cuisines and snacks for the tourists to taste and enjoy. while you're there, you can also explore the hawker food in Little India. As the name suggests, Little India is Singapore’s foremost Indian enclave with shopping, including a 24 hour shopping mall, Mustafa with many indian spices, clothing and electronics at a low price and indulge in Indian food at the best Indian hawker food in Singapore, where they serve indian styled dishes in restaurants and hawker centres.

What are you waiting for?
Come on down to Singapore during the Deepavali season to experience all these, I am sure it will be an eye-opener for those of you who have yet to celebrate this festival before.

References:
http://sparklette.net/travel/singapore/little-india-street-light-up/
http://www.etour-singapore.com/deepavali-in-singapore.html
http://www.deepavalilightup.sg/ 
http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/culture-and-heritage/cultural-precincts/little-india.html