Celebrated by Hindus across the world to mark the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, the symbolism of Deepavali is aptly summed up in the simple act of lighting an oil lamp.
And this is precisely what thousands of Hindu families all around Singapore do, turning their homes into enclaves of warm golden light even as they offer prayers, exchange gifts and share sweetmeats with each other.Longing for a slice of the action? Head to Little India where the streets are transformed into a fantasyland of colourful arches and stunning lights.
Wander through the bazaars with their glittering gold and gems, exquisitely embroidered saris and gleaming golden oil lamps. Inhale the scent of marigolds, roses and jasmine, thickly braided into lush floral garlands mingling with the perfume of sweet incense and the fragrance of Indian spices and Ayurvedic massage oils.
Feast for the senses
Take in an open-air concert, get an intricately patterned henna tattoo and sample a delicious curry with fresh 'roti prata' (dough flat bread) at a nearby restaurant.
Or just sit back and relax with a 'teh tarik' (frothy milk tea) at a coffeeshop, and watch one of the most beautiful festivals in Singapore flower into vivid life.
Did you know?
Hindus believe that departed souls return during this time, so favourite foods of the deceased, along with new clothes, are placed on banana leaves before their photos, and prayers are said.
divine welcome
It's hard not to notice a Hindu home during Deepavali. Each doorway boasts a beautiful, vividly-coloured picture created out of flour, rice or flower petals. It can take the form of a geometric pattern, a floral shape or a more detailed representation of animals or nature. Known as 'rangoli', these artworks are created to usher deities into the home, so that they can bless the household for the year ahead.