The anticipation of a fiesta of joy is in the air, as revellers throng the streets and homes to celebrate the beloved Festival of Lights, better known as Deepavali or Diwali, which falls on 31 October this year. Just imagine – a lavish spread of mouthwatering delicacies are laid before you as the entire home is brightened up by the laughs shared between loved ones as they catch up and exchange stories and gossip.
While you relish in the jubilance of the occasion, it is also important to remember the symbolisms behind Deepavali and the message of unity that it is intended to convey. We speak to four excited individuals who share more about the introspective significance of the holiday!
Personally, I think that most people in Singapore actually understand what Deepavali is intended to represent – the comradeship that we thrive on, the appreciation of varied cultures that is our society’s bedrock and the simple joys that come with being amongst friends and family. It’s really nice to see friends of other races partaking in the celebrations, adorned in traditional Indian festive wear that really speaks of Singapore’s uniqueness as a multiracial nation!
Like every Deepavali, I’ll visit my parents before heading out to various family gatherings to really just catch up with my uncles, aunties, cousins and extended family members. Wishing all Singaporeans a Happy Deepavali!
– Danie Dharma, Personal Trainer
Make sure to check out some of Danie Dharma (@daniedharma)’s workout tips in our previous article: Tips for Staying Fit During & After National Service
Contrary to what some may assume about the festival, Deepavali is not just about the food and commemorative ornaments. Though I must say, they do play a huge role in livening up the celebratory ambience!
Without going too much into it, the Festival of Lights is often seen as the representation of the perennial fight between good and evil. Some may have heard of the legend of the legendary hero Rama, the conqueror of the demon king, Ravana. Some speculate that our oil lamps illuminate his victory. While there are many other interpretations, the occasion is our way of sharing prosperity, goodness and joy with our neighbours and loved ones. If anything, Deepavali is also a great way to remind everyone of the virtue of religious harmony, and that there is room to learn more about and celebrate our diverse culture!
This year, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing my relatives again!
– Karthik Ari, Marketing Manager
Get ready for a Deepavali trivia bomb!
Interesting fact – Deepavali is not the Tamil New Year, which is a totally different festival. Tamil New Year falls on 14 April every year. Deepavali, on the other hand, stands for ‘Festival Of Lights’. Its meaning lies in the triumph of good over evil, symbolised by the victory of Lord Krishna over demon king Narakasuran.
The date of Deepavali also varies each year, depending on the Hindu calendar. It’s usually celebrated during the month of Karthigai (October to November).
Many think that kolam, the intricate designs created with coloured powders or rice flour, is just a decorative element. However, its significance is greater than that. It serves as an invitation to the goddess, Lakshmi, who is believed to bring prosperity and wealth. The designs are believed to attract positive energy into the home. The rice flour used in kolam becomes food for ants, emphasising on the principle of ‘Jeeva Karunyam’ which means compassion to all living beings.
The same applies to our lamps – they are not solely used for lighting but also intended to signify knowledge and enlightenment. Lighting them is believed to dispel darkness and ignorance.
I really look forward to the gatherings with family, relatives and friends. It’s always fun to host others or be invited to celebrate Deepavali together. Sharing meals, playing with sparklers, singing and dancing together brings so much happiness during this festive occasion. I especially like to share the sweets and snacks (laddoo and murukku) that my mum makes every year with my non-Hindu friends to spread the joy of Deepavali to everyone.
Wishing everyone a joyous and prosperous Deepavali filled with love and laughter!!
– Kanesananthan Yahrliny, Year 3 Pharmacy Student at NUS
Time really flies, doesn’t it?
Too often are we occupied by the present hustle that we forget to live life as it should be! Deepavali grounds me to this sobering fact, that life is not just all work; there is plenty of room to unwind and reconnect with ourselves as well as with those who have stood by us since the start of our journeys. The occasion, its religious significance aside, is also a symbolic inauguration of a new year, where we celebrate new opportunities, experiences and joys! In a way, it signifies the light at the end of every tunnel, and that we simply have to look for it to navigate our life’s obstacles. At times, it also reminds me of the small yet precious moments of unity during my army days, when people of all races would come together to share a simple spread.
Like many of my fellow festive celebrants, I’m just delighted to have the opportunity to spend time with those I love. Happy Deepavali friends!
– Tharshana Ganash, Research Assistant
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