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Season Of Lights |
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26 October, 2004
The months of October, November and December come alive in Singapore with the celebrations of Deepavali, Hari Raya and Christmas
Ever since Singapore was founded, the city has been a melting pot of cultures. When Sir Stamford Raffles planned the city, he was very aware of the importance of the different cultures working together for a common good and was one of the main benefactors in building temples for the local population. The Sultan Mosque at Kampong Glam is one such temple he had a hand in building.
Today, nothing has changed and the city of Singapore is a place where Chinese live alongside Malays, Indians and Eurasians as well as the large expat community.
Not only that, but the whole nation celebrates together the various cultural and religious festivals that this mix of cultures brings.
During the months of October, November and December, you can see this first hand when the Indian community celebrates Deepavali, the Muslims celebrate Hari Raya and Christians celebrate Christmas.
It truly is the season of lights as Arab Street, Little India and Orchard Road suddenly become adorned with lights to celebrate the three festivals. Not only that, but shopping malls also take part in competitions for the best lighting display, making the city a sight to behold.
DEEPAVALI
Where to see it: Little India.
Getting there: Little India MRT Station.
You know when Deepavali is coming when Little India begins to light up.
Deepavali itself this year is on the 11th of November, but the Indian Hindu community celebrate it in Little India by lighting up the streets, especially on the stretch of Serangoon Road and Campbell Lane from 15 October until 14 November. Now is the time to explore Little India as the community prepares for the Deepavali celebrations with a festive bazaar in Campbell Lane and cultural performances on Kerbau Road.
Deepavali itself can be translated to mean “The Festival of Lights”. It remembers when the legendary Lord Krishna beheaded the demon Narakasura and today Hindus light lamps in their homes to usher in brightness, good fortune and divine blessings. On the day itself you can catch the sight of families, dressed in traditional costume, heading for the temples around the city to receive their blessings before moving on to visit friends and relatives.
HARI RAYA PUASA
Where to see it: Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam.
Getting there: Eunos MRT (Geylang Serai) and Bugis MRT (Kampong Glam).
The family gets together after Ramadan for a feast.
Hari Raya Puasa marks the successful conclusion of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. During Ramadan Muslims are not able to eat during daylight hours, so when Hari Raya comes along on November 14 you can be sure there will be plenty of celebrating.
The place to see the festivities is in Geylang Serai where the ethnic quarter transforms itself into a night bazaar with glittering lights everywhere from October 9 until November 21. On the day itself head over to the Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam to see Muslims arriving for prayer in their new clothes before heading off to pay respects to their elders.
Of course, a feast awaits after the formalities have been completed – what better way to celebrate the end of a whole month of fasting.
CHRISTMAS
Where to see it: Orchard Road.
Getting there: Orchard MRT.
It's Christmas time again!
Touted as the world’s biggest Christmas Light-up, Singapore’s Christmas festivities get underway from November 13 until January 2 this year. To celebrate, Orchard Road gets adorned with thousands of lights while shopping malls all over the city take part in a competition to determine the best decorations.
For a more traditional Christmas, try St Andrews Cathedral at City Hall where Christians from all over Singapore will come to on December 24 and 25 to celebrate their special day.
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