Deepavali, also known as the festival of lights, is a Hindu festival celebrated in Singapore's autumn season every year. The celebration of the festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Hindu families in Singapore decorate their houses a few weeks prior to the festival. On the actual day of the festival, they wake up early to have an oil bath ritual in order to cleanse their bodies of impurities and wear bright coloured clothes. They then offer prayers, exchange gifts and share sweets to celebrate the occasion.
Known as Tekka among the Indian Singaporean community, Little India is an ethnic district in Singapore filled with glee during this season. Welcoming streets with arches lit with a variety of lights are a pleasant sight bringing about the festive atmosphere. The enclave consists of decorated bazaars which have Indian products such as embroidered saris, golden oil lamps, floral garlands, oils and Indian spices among many other Indian products best suited for a time of festivity. Womenfolk get their hands applied with varied designs of henna tattoos at bazaars as part of the celebrations.
Considered as a symbol to inherit blessings, 'Kolam' or 'rangoli' is expected to be found in front of every Hindu home during Deepavali. Each entrance will have a form of coloured drawing created out of rice, flour or flower petals. Kolams vary from geometric patterns and floral shapes to finer versions which depict animals or nature.
Seasonal snacks like 'murukku' and 'athirasam' are also available at stalls during the festival.
IBTimes Singapore has compiled a list of images depicting Deepavali celebrations over the years.
A shopkeeper sells decorative items at a makeshift stand for the Hindu celebration of Deepavali in Singapore's Little India neighbourhood November 7, 2007. Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on November 8.Reuters
A vendor sells sari ahead of Deepavali at Little India in Singapore October 31, 2013. The Hindu community will celebrate the Festival of Lights known as Diwali or Deepavali, on November 2.Reuters
A devotee receives blessing from a priest at Sri Veeramakaliamman temple in Singapore October 24, 2008. The Hindu community will celebrate the Festival of Lights known as Diwali or Deepavali, on October 27.Reuters
Indian dresses are displayed for sale at a shop before the Hindu celebration of Deepavali in Singapore's Little India neighbourhood November 6, 2007. Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on November 8.Reuters
A shopper looks at decorative items for the Hindu celebration Deepavali in Singapore's Little India neighbourhood November 6, 2007. Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on November 8.Reuters
A vendor sells festive flowers at Little India in Singapore October 31, 2013. The Hindu community will celebrate the Festival of Lights known as Diwali or Deepavali, on November 2.Reuters
Ramalingum, a painter of Hindu Gods from India, touches up one of the several hundreds Hindu Gods that line the Sri Veeramakaliamman temple roof top in Singapore's Little India November 4. Hindu temples around Singapore are bustling with activities as Hindus prepare to celebrate Deepavali, the festival of light, on November 7.Reuters
A woman applies henna on the hand of a customer at a Deepavali Bazaar at Little India in Singapore October 31, 2013. The Hindu community will celebrate the Festival of Lights known as Diwali or Deepavali, on November 2.Reuters
A vendor sells festive flowers at Little India in Singapore October 31, 2013. The Hindu community will celebrate the Festival of Lights known as Diwali or Deepavali, on November 2.Reuters
