Deepavali Festival of Lights 新加坡屠妖節

Summarization The Festivals of Lights or Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus throughout the world. Deepavali literally means row of lights. Northern Indians call the festival “Diwali”. Though the festival is celebrated by both North and South Indians, their practices and customs differ.

The Story There are many legends associated with the celebration of Deepavali which falls in the month of Aipasi (between October and November).

One legend relates how Narakasura won the favor of God and was blessed with the rule of a kingdom. However, he ruled his kingdom with terror and cruelty. His ill treated subjects appealed to Lord Sri Krishna, the divine ruler of Madura for help and Narakasura was subsequently killed by Lord Krishna in battle. On Lord Krishna’s return, the city was in complete darkness as it was a new moon night. To celebrate the victory and welcome Lord Krishna, the people lit lamps to light the way. To this day, Hindus mark the victory of Lord Krishna over King Narakasura by lighting lamps.

The epic Ramayana relates another story on the origins of Deepavali The epic Ramayana relates another story on the origins of Deepavali. In the Ramayana its legendary hero Lord Rama was deprived of his rightful ascend to the throne and exiled to the forests for 14 years by his stepmother who then crowned her own son Bharatha as King of Atuthya. As a filial son, Lord Rama only returned from exile to Ayuthya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after 14 years. Deepavali is believed to be celebrated in honour of Lord Rama’s return from exile. Both the legends signify the winning of good over evil and of light over darkness.

Ceremony South Indian Hindus celebrate Deepavali at dawn when the whole family wakes up before sunrise for a ritualistic oil bath. The head of the household dabs a drop of ginger oil on everyone’s head before their bath. This symbolic purification rite marks a new beginning. Hindus then dress in their new best clothes and visit the temple to offer prayers to God and to make new resolutions.

Decorating During Deepavali, the entrance to Hindu homes is decorated with fresh mango leaves and kolams (Indian floor art). It is believed that the Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi, will only enter a home that is adorned with a kolam. Modern Singaporeans adorn their homes with tinsel and plastic decorations shaped to look like mango leaves. Instead of a kolam hand drawn with rice flour what one would probably see are stickers with intricate kolam motifs pasted in front of a Hindu home in Singapore today.

Food Sweet delicacies like jelebi (deep fried batter in syrup), ney urundai (green mung bean sweets) are served with traditional breakfast which would include thosai (rice flour pancakes) and iddiyappam (rice flour hoppers). Savory delicacies like murukku (crunchy snack) and vadai (lentil cake) are also served.

Conclution Festivities for the day would include feasting on traditional foods, visiting with friends and relatives, offering prayers for the Lord, and lighting of oil lamps around the home. The rows of oil lamps placed in the home are believed to usher in all that is good. Children celebrate the day playing with sparklers.

It is during the Deepavali season that the deceased are especially missed and remembered. Hindus honour the departed souls of loved ones a week before Deepavali with offerings and prayers. The head of the household symbolically places favorite foods, sweets, fruits and flowers in front of the photograph of the deceased and offers a feast to visitors.

In Singapore, Little India is transformed into a fairyland with an explosion of vibrant, colorful arches and lights during the Deepavali festive season. Festive bazaars and cultural performances pepper the streets along Serangoon Road during this month.

THE END