Deepavali, the festival of lights

Today's Deepavali. It was initally on DC's birthday but because of the uncommon appearance of 2 "no moon" days (amavasai) between mid-Oct and mid-Nov 2009, the day was later re-established and confirmed to be on 17 Oct 09 which is today.

I like Deepavali and always thought it resembles our Mooncake/Lantern festival. I often wonder why wasn't the Lantern festival made a public holiday in Singapore? However, I rather it falls on DC's birthday this year because I get to claim the public holiday! Now I can't cos I'm still on maternity leave. :P

We have never experienced the celebration (cos we're not Hindus and never have the chance to do so) but I do hope that we could soak in the atmosphere one day... i'm thinking of doing the following:
1) Painting our hands with Henna at the Deepavali Bazaar,
2) Visiting a temple on Serangoon Road,
3) Be a spectator of the Deepavali Street Parade,
4) Immersing ourselves in the Street light up and
5) Dining at Little India's veg restaurant or maybe finding an Indian friend to visit?

However, all are not possible this year, next year perhaps.

Happy Deepavali 2009!

Here's a short description of the festival for those who don't know what Deepavali is about:

Deepavali is a colorful lights festival celebrated by the Hindus residing in all parts of the world. The festival usually takes place in October or November. It marks the death of the cruel King Narakasura by Lord Krishna.

In South India, Deepavali is celebrated to commemorate the killing of demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. In North India, Deepavali commemorates the return of Lord Ram along with Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman to Ayodhya after his 14 years of exile.

The most happening part of this Deepavali festival is that children and adult members in the family join hands to decorate their house with oil lamps during the evening time. By lighting these lamps, the Hindus thank the Gods for the peace, happiness, prosperity, wealth and knowledge that they have been bestowed with.


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