Thursday is “Deepavali” in Singapore. This is an Indian holiday, the Festival of Lights, and it’s a holiday marked by the whole country (yes, that means a day away from the office!). They celebrate with food, fireworks (well, sparklers) and by lighting up the area of town called “Little India” where the Indian population (a minority in Singapore, but a healthy one at that) have the largest presence.
To celebrate and learn more about the custom, I’ve been invited to a colleague’s house to have lunch with some of their family and friends. Really looking forward to the look inside — of the house, of the local culture, and of this very holy of Indian celebrations.
What is it? According to Wikipedia, “The festival marks the victory of good over evil, and uplifting of spiritual darkness. Symbolically it marks the homecoming of goodwill and faith after an absence… While Deepavali is popularly known as the “festival of lights”, the most significant esoteric meaning is “the awareness of the inner light”… or the underlying reality of all things.”
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sounds fun! I’m jealous of the food — mmm yummy. I love other cultural celebrations, it always makes me wish I celebrated a piece of my heritage more. I mean, YES, I’m Irish, but come on, everyone seems to be nowadays.
I am also Ukranian- maybe I’ll learn more about me and find some Ukranian things to do and celebrate. It’s part of the reason I’m so burly.
Hey, we ate south Indian food — it makes a lot of sense as it’s a massive country, but I never thought about the food differing in the different regions (la dur). Anyway, no naan, no samosas, no food on sticks, no yogurt even! Lots of rice and spicy things in sauce .. very yummy.
Kelly, do let me know when we’ll be celebrating Ukrainian day. I heard they’re the original inventors of the Easter Egg … so maybe we should start having egg decorating parties at your place. First annual in 2008? I’ll bring the eggs, Meezie can bring her glue gun, you cook the Chicken Kiev!
I’ve been to Singapore a few times and love it. The shopping, the food and the nightlife are magnificent. I appreciate the tips you’ve given on your site, cause I want to go back again soon and enjoy it all over again. Being there during Deepavali is a fantastic experience