The Festival of Lights is the celebration of light over darkness and good over evil – and comes, this year, at a very inspiring point in time, as we overcome the pandemic.
While celebrations are on the smaller scale this year due to pandemic restrictions still in effect, this year’s Deepavali still offers a myriad of ways you join in the celebration. Here are seven Deepavali events, activities and shows to light up your festive weekend:
Little India is the one place you must go to experience the festivities during Deepavali this year. While many other events and activities have been scaled down from previous years, the iconic dazzling Deepavali light-up is just as extensive as it usually is.
Image credit: @1samishan_choudhary
Look out for the statues of goddess of wealth, Mahalakshmi, framed by two peacocks, alongside elephants and oil lamps motifs as you walk down Serangoon Road.
Image credit: @bl.on.streets
Deepavali street light-ups
Price: Free
Date: Until 6th December 2020
Time: 7PM onwards, Daily
Venue: Serangoon Road, Little India, Singapore
Find rangoli artworks at the Community on Colours – Rangoli Art Installation exhibition this Deepavali at POLI @ Hindoo Road in Little India. Featuring a vibrant array of colours, the traditional Indian art features intricate floral patterns made using coloured rice or sand on the ground, during celebrations like Deepavali.
You won’t be looking at any ordinary rangoli art though, this exhibit is organised by Vijaya Mohan, who holds the world-record for creating the largest rangoli; and created together with members of several Voluntary Welfare Organisations.
Community on Colours – Rangoli Art Installation
Price: Free
Date: Until 6th December 2020
Find out more about Rangoli Art Installation
Image credit: Esplanade
Unlike many events that have completely hopped on the online bandwagon this year, Kalaa Utsavam, or Indian Festival of Arts, at The Esplanade continues to bring a handful of live performances to the table. Enjoy free classical dance recitals including Tree of Life by the Singapore Indian arts community IRL, alongside Indian classical music performances from local band Idioms of Freedom ($15).
Kalaa Utsavam
Price: Varies
Date: 20th-29th November 2020
Time: Varies, depending on activity
Venue: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Find out more about Kalaa Utssavam
Image credit: @officiallishasg
There’s no such thing as a festival without food; and there’s perhaps no better place to get your fill of authentic Indian cuisine than at Little India. Six restaurants in the area including Komala Vilas and Sakunthala’s Restaurant, will be coming together in celebration of Deepavali to offer festival specials to spice up the occasion.
Expect the likes of Hyderabadi dum biryani, cod fish pollichathu and turkey biryani. If the extra-rich and flavourful South Indian cuisine is what you’re looking for, try the Idicha Naatu Kozhi Varuval at restaurant Junior Kuppanna, a stir-fried dry chicken curry dish cooked with freshly ground masala and peppercorn.
Deepavali Gastronomy
Promotion period: Until 6th December 2020
Find out more about Deepavali Gastronomy offers
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
Throughout the last month, the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) has been churning out a slew of offerings from Deepavali-themed Ez-link cards to online bazaar hunts.
But no worries if you’ve missed the bulk of the activity line-up, as there are still some saved for this weekend, such as free Friday evening trishaw rides and limited-edition Deepavali money packets that you can redeem by snapping a picture at IHC.
If you’re looking for something to do over the long weekend, the centre’s free exhibition gallery features Indian clothes and artefacts dating back to the 1st Century, and is a good place to revisit history as well.
Deepavali at Indian Heritage Centre
Price: Free
Date: Until 14th November 2020
Time: Varies
Indian Heritage Centre website
Home visits are incomplete without festive TV shows to liven up the mood. Check out the following to enjoy with friends or relatives:
2019’s concert
Image credit: meWATCH
Airing live from MediaCorp’s stage, the annual Amarkala Deepavali Countdown Concert can be caught on Vasantham to celebrate the start of Deepavali. Expect a sea of colourful costumes, performances and appearances by international celebrities including actor Jiiva, and singers Santhosh and Malavika to fill your screens.
Date: 13th November 2020
Time: 10PM-12.30AM
2-hours long, The Mega Deepavali show will be streamed on LiSHA’s Facebook page. Enjoy their new original Deepavali Community Song, dances and skits with guests at home; or even with relatives from abroad. The programme can be accessed online or on select TV networks in countries like India, UAE and UK.
Date: 14th November 2020
Time: 10AM-12PM
LiSHA’s Facebook page
Dive into traditions this year with these Deepavali events, activities and shows. They may not be as extravagant as the previous years’, but they’re festive nonetheless and a safe way to commemorate the festival during Phase 2!
For more things to do, also check out:
Cover image adapted from: @1samishan_choudhary, Indian Heritage Centre
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