Cover Photo: Facebook/Indian Heritage Centre
Photo: Facebook/Indian Heritage Centre
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From open-top bus rides through Little India to Indian cooking classes, here's how you can get into the spirit of the Festival of Lights this October
On October 24, Hindus around Singapore will honour the victory of good over evil as they celebrate Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights.
This year, Hindus will finally be able to celebrate the occasion in its entirety after years of curbed festivities due to the pandemic. Many of our Hindu friends and family will be opening their homes to their loved ones, visiting the temple for prayers, decorating their homes and more.
As one of Singapore’s major cultural festivals, there are just as many Deepavali-related activities around Singapore that the community can participate in. From open-top bus rides around Little India to see the lights to themed crafting sessions for kids, we list the most fun activities in Singapore you can enjoy to get into the festive spirit.
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1. View the Annual Light-Up
Every year, Singapore’s Little India will light up with a gorgeous 1.5km street light up to welcome the joyous celebration of lights. This year, we will see the streets lit up with decorations of musical instruments like the tabla and sitar.
The stretch also features a host of other intricate artworks as well as stalls selling Indian snacks, decorations and more.
2. Go on a Deepavali Big Bus Tour
Above Photo: Indian Heritage Centre
Photo: Indian Heritage Centre
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If you are looking to really immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of the season instead of simply walking the streets of Little India, the Indian Heritage Centre has you covered. This year, for the first time, the centre will be organising a Deepavali Big Bus Tour for guests that will run over certain weekends.
The customised open-top sightseeing bus tour will provide the perfect introduction to the Little India precinct during the festive season as well as excellent photo opportunities from the top deck.
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3. Go on a Little India Trishaw Trail
Above Photo: Indian Heritage Centre
Photo: Indian Heritage Centre
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Blast from the past: hop on a trishaw from yesteryear and embark on the Little India Trishaw Trails organised by the Indian Heritage Center.
This fun 15-minute trishaw ride will happen every Friday evening till October 21 and will take you down the streets of Little India as you take in the sights, sounds, and festivities of the Festival of Lights.
4. Visit the Indian Heritage Centre
Every Deepavali, the Indian Heritage Centre will open its doors to host a plethora of activities as they welcome the community to celebrate the joyous occasion.
The centre will be hosting a multitude of activities such as interactive storytelling, painting workshops, cultural crafting activities and more.
A highlight of the celebrations though is a miniature replica of the Deepavali street arch along Campbell Lane that will be at the entrance of the centre. Guests can take photos and enjoy the display that features oil lamps, peacock designs and more.
Find out more about the activities in store here.
5. Enjoy a Special Diwali Cooking Demonstration
Indian food is always a well-loved staple by Singaporeans, many of whom view it as comfort food. If you would like to improve your cooking skills or to get inspiration for more dishes, you can join a cooking demonstration with Chef Devagi and Chef Vasunthara Ramasamy this season.
Chef Devagi, who has produced 22 cookbooks and is a pioneer in the cooking scene, and Masterchef Singapore Chef Vasunthara Ramasamy will take participants on a journey as they learn how to make festive Deepavali dishes and taste new recipes.
6. Contribute to a Community Lego Mural
Above Photo: Indian Heritage Centre
Photo: Indian Heritage Centre
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Rangolis are traditional decorations that are usually made with ground rice powder or rice grains and are placed at the entrance of homes during Diwali. These decorations are usually elaborate and feature geometrical patterns, different colours and sweeping patterns.
While this art form is not something that every Hindu family practices, this year, everyone in the community will get a chance to try their hand at the design with a community Lego mural made to look like a rangoli. Designed in collaboration with Lego artist Jeffery Kong, you can expect to be given the opportunity to help complete the mural by filling it in with coloured bricks.
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Camillia Dass is the digital writer for Tatler Singapore.
