A bit of Singapore

A Colourful Enchantment

Deepavali, which literally means “row of lights,” is celebrated by Hindus across the world and is the most important festival in Hinduism. In Singapore, the Festival of Lights, as it’s endearingly called, falls on 26 October 2011 and is a public holiday.

Deepavali is the celebration of good over evil, and light overcoming darkness. While there are various legends that inspire this festival, the common tale is about how Narakasura won the favor of God and was blessed with the rule of a kingdom. He ruled his kingdom with tyranny, which led his subjects to appeal to Lord Sri Krishna, the divine ruler of Madura, for help. Narakasura was subsequently killed by Lord Krishna in battle and on Lord Krishna’s return, the city was in complete darkness as it was the night of a new moon. To celebrate his victory and to welcome Lord Krishna, the people lit lamps, and to this day, Hindus mark the victory of Lord Krishna over King Narakasura by lighting oil lamps. 

New clothes are worn during Deepavali and sweets and snacks are shared. Some Indian communities also begin the financial year on Deepavali for auspicious reasons. A traditional way to celebrate Deepavali in Singapore is to have your hands painted with henna art. Henna is a flowering plant used to dye skin, hair, fingernails and even leather and wool. These temporary tattoos are often done for free by local artists.

During Deepavali, the streets of Little India are artfully decorated and lit up in bright festive colours, transforming it with an explosion of vibrant, colourful arches and lights.  Festive bazaars and numerous cultural activities such as the Indian Heritage and Craft Exhibition, Street Parade, Countdown Concert are also held. The festive stalls are decorated with wares such as fragrant flowers, garlands used during prayers, traditional oil lamps and beautiful Saris with intricate brocade patterns and glittering gems. Colourful Indian outfits, intricate costume jewellery and traditional arts and craft are also on sale. Indian delicacies can also be found in abundance during this period. 

If you want to bask in the richness of the Indian culture, sit by any of the coffee shops along Little India and order a teh tarik (frothy milk tea). Watch as the crowds fill the streets and the stalls bustle with business. Come see this historically rich enclave transform into the heart of Deepavali.
 -Quoted from YourSingapore.com  - click here to visit the site

Hari Raya Haji

"A Sacred Journey

Hari Raya Haji, otherwise known as the “Festival of Sacrifice”, is celebrated over a period of three days by Muslims all over the world. It commemorates the Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in the name of God. According to the Islamic calendar, Hijrah, this festival starts on the 10th day of the month of Dhul Hijja, 70 days after the holy month of Ramadan.

Practicing Muslims celebrate this auspicious day to mark the end of Hajj, the annual holy pilgrimage to Mecca. The Hajj, which is currently the largest annual pilgrimage in the world, sees thousands of pilgrims simultaneously converge on the Holy land to perform a series of rituals. It is also considered the fifth pillar of Islam, a religious obligation for able-bodied Muslims with the financial means.  It is not just a powerful demonstration of the solidarity between Muslim men and women, but also of their complete submission to Allah (God in the Islamic scriptures of the Quran).

During this public holiday, male volunteers congregate in the mosques to offer their prayers and reflect upon the sermons that are read out. After performing the customary Hari Raya Haji prayers, they then sacrifice sheep, goats and cows. This act symbolises Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his own flesh and blood. The meat is then packed and distributed among the Muslim community, especially to families who are less fortunate.

This day, which is the perfect time to observe the ethics and practices of the Muslim community, serves as a reminder to share one’s wealth with the less fortunate. After a long day of carrying out customary practices, the Muslims would then pay a visit to their parents, families and friends for a hearty lunch and merrymaking.

Within the city itself, you can partake in the festivities in areas such as Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam, where lively bazaars and dazzling local decorations are held to mark this important day for locals and visitors to soak in the atmosphere."

 -Quoted from YourSingapore.com  - click here to visit the site

Mid Autumn Festival - End of September

Celebrate the traditional mid-autumn festival in Singapore

Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival—a celebration of family unity at a time of year when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. For this grand community event, Chinatown has been decorated with bright vibrant lanterns. Enjoy fun activities like lantern painting and shopping at a festive bazaar with over 300 stalls. It’s a rich cultural experience that’s not to be missed.

Join in a grand celebration of family unity and thanksgiving during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Also known as the Chinese Lantern Festival, the festivities traditionally happen on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. 

Organised by the Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee, the whole stretch of Chinatown has been enlivened Chinatown with bright vibrant lanterns designed in line with the colours of Mid-Autumn. Have fun with activities such as a lantern painting competition, a themed street light-up, a festive bazaar with 300 stalls, and a mass lantern walk. You’ll learn about Singapore’s cultural diversity and rich heritage, as well as the festival which is a 1,000-year-old tradition. 

In Chinese tradition, the roundness of the moon symbolises unending family unity. Other than putting up lanterns, Chinese families gather for hot brewed tea and sample sweets like mooncakes and pomelos. This event—among the most widely marked of Chinese festivals—is a truly authentic experience that’s not to be missed. So come soak up the atmosphere.

Sourced from: http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/apps/eventdetails.chinatown-mid-autumn-festival-2012.html

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