Deepavali: Festival of Lights 2019

After Chinatown celebrates the Mid Autumn festival last September, Little India is all light up for the Festival of Lights in Serangoon Road, Singapore.

Diwali or Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus all across the globe around mid-October to Mid-November – this year, it’s October 29, 2019. It symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.” And with that, the whole stretch of Serangoon Road is lighted up with striking and colorful installation lightings. Also, endless rows of shops and stalls are built selling colored glittering Indian souvenirs, sweet desserts/snacks, clothing, and the aromatic flower garlands.

As one of the major cultural festivals in Singapore, Little India is the center of the festival and is open for everyone who likes to witness and experience the significance of this traditional festival. It is conveniently located in a prime district so getting there is so much easier. Also, try to look for restaurants around the area, South Indian foods are a must-try.

There are lots of happenings and interesting things to explore during the festival week and here are some shots I took during the night.

Lights Up

Nighttime at Serangoon road is what makes the festival happening. It’s my favorite time during the festival because the eye-catching display of illuminated street light at Little India transforms Serangoon Road a major travel destination. Visitors, bus passengers, and motorists are all prepared to take snaps once the traffick lights hits red. It’s irresistible not to take photos. The stretch of Serangoon road turns into a grand and dazzling road with colorful arches of horses and lamps.

Every year, the lights and decorations are changed with different themes and designs. Comparing it from the previous Deepavali, this year is bigger and brighter and that means more budget by Singapore tourism Board and sponsors. The lightings will start from 7:00 PM until midnight.

Huge lighting installation of a peacock at the main entrance of Serangoon Road. Peacock at Deepavali are signs of prosperity and good luck.

Deepavali Festival Village

Same as last year, the Deepavali bazaar is jam-packed and always vibrant more especially at night. Rows of vendors are lined up opposite each other selling various traditional Indian apparel, festival decorations, lamps, safe fireworks, and figurines. If you’re into the fun side, there is the henna tattoo shop for your hands or legs. Of course, the festival won’t be enjoyed without traditional Indian foods and sweets. The festival market opens around 10 in the morning and ends up at 10 night time.

The festival village is located at Serangoon Road, along Campbell Lane to Hasting Road.

Interesting design and color. I wonder, what is it for?

Colorful Indian Garland flowers (artificial) on display for the Deepavali Festival 2019.

Elephant: Hindu Culture and Tradition

The elephant is a prominent animal symbol for the Hindu culture as it symbolizes their gods, Ganesha. The half-man (body) half elephant (head) is a god of wisdom, success, and good luck. That is why, if you look around Little India, elephant symbols and installations are everywhere.

Even Changi Airport Terminal 2 has decorated the garden lobby in celebration of the Festival of Lights. The centerpiece of the garden is a mother elephant showering her baby.