Little India in Singapore decks up for Diwali in dazzling array of lights and oil lamps

As one of the major cultural festivals in Singapore, Deepavali (also known as “Diwali” or the “Festival of Lights”) is a celebration that marks the triumph of good over evil. It’s when thousands of Hindu families in the city—and across the world—transform their homes into beacons of light, exchange gifts, share feasts and perform pooja (prayers) to deities such as Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity.

Little India today is one of Singapore’s most vibrant districts. As you walk down Serangoon Road and neighbouring streets, explore their mix of Hindu and Chinese temples, mosques and churches. Enjoy South Indian vegetarian food, North Indian tandoori dishes and local fare like roti prata (round pancakes) and teh tarik (pulled tea in Malay). Spot the brewers ‘pull’ the hot milk tea.

Little India has already been decked up in a dazzling array of peacocks, lotus flowers, oil lamps and over a million bulbs. There is also a 24-hour shopping mall, Mustafa Centre, which offers everything from electronics to groceries, or take your pick from open-air Tekka Centre, goldsmith shops and sari stores.

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.