Known for its culture and many festivals, India is a land of celebrations. Little India therefore is no different, with festivals that mark an entire year’s calendar. With unmatched religious fervour, Little India worships its Gods and Goddesses with as much religious sanctity as their forefathers did.

Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is the most important festival in the Hindu Calendar. Hindus all over the world celebrate the victory of good over evil, light over darkness. Oil lamps are lit to thank the Gods for happiness, knowledge, health and wealth received.

During this season, the temples and streets in Little India are lit with streamers and dazzling lights to welcome one and all. The Sri Veeramakaliamman, Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal temples are decorated with spectacular display lights as the whole of Serangoon Road dazzles to usher in Deepavali.

Meanwhile, Campbell Lane is transformed into a festive bazaar, buzzling with stalls offering colourful Indian outfits, intricate jewellery, costumes and arts and craft. Indian delicacies are also found in abundance for shoppers who are looking for a bite after a night of shopping.

The streets of Little India are transformed with the start of the Deepavali festive season. Be sure to catch the stunning festive themes in lights and colourful street décor. It stretches from the Junction of Bukit Timah Road / Serangoon Road up to Lavendar Street / Serangoon Road

Deepavali Bazaar

Saris to spices, the best of Little India will be available at the bazaar. This year, unique handicraft items brought down especially for the Deepavali season will be on sale.

Deepavali Heritage & Craft Exhibition

Traditional craftsmen from India bring their trade to Little India. See first hand how the most intricate Indian crafts are fashioned.

"Utsav" – Deepavali Street Parade

Catch the biggest and most amazing arts event in Little India. A must see celebration of dance, music, culture and tradition.

Deepavali Countdown Concert

Join the celebrities for a countdown to Deepavali 2010. Be here at this spectacular open-air concert to usher in the Festival of Lights.

Navarathiri (which means “nine nights” in Tamil) is celebrated in honour of Mother Goddess Rajarajeshwari who takes the form of various Goddesses; Sri Durga (representing power), Sri Lakshmi (representing wealth) and Sri Saraswathy (representing knowledge). An interesting feature of the festival is the display of various idols (of Hindu gods, goddesses, sages, poets, mythological characters, war heroes, etc) on a row of steps.

For nine nights the temples in Singapore echo with the exotic sounds of Indian music, songs and dances in honour of Goddess Rajarajeshwari.

Theemidhi or Fire Walking Ceremony honours Goddess Draupadi, who proved her innocence and fidelity by walking barefoot over burning coal. For weeks before the ceremony, devotees practice strict vegetarianism and fasting rituals in addition to observing austerities.

On the actual day, the ceremony starts at 1.00am at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple where the devotees take ritual baths before setting off on a 4km walk to Sri Mariamman Temple.

The highlight of the ceremony is the walk where devotees make across the scorching bed of coals. With intense concentration, barefooted devotees who wish to fulfill a vow make their walk across the pit – completing the challenge miraculously unscathed. Absolute faith, courage and endurance of devotees can be witnessed at this breathtaking ceremony.

Pongal originated in South India as a community festival in celebration of a good harvest. In Singapore, this festival is popular as a joyous festival representing the tradition of giving thanks for all good things.

Pongal is celebrated over four days. On the first day, Bhogi, old clothes and things are discarded marking the beginning of a new life.

The second day, Surya Pongal, is celebrated by boiling fresh milk, rice and sugar early in the morning in a new pot and allowing it to boil over. This sweet dish is then offered to the Gods for the many blessings one receives during the year. Every year, people traditionally prepare savouries and sweets, visit each other’s homes and exchange greetings.

The third day, Mattu Pongal, is the day when cows are honoured – for ploughing the fields and for the milk they provide. On this day, cattle are bathed, their horns polished and painted in bright colours, and flower garlands placed around their necks.

On the last day, Kanum Pongal, younger members of the family pay respects to their elders.

Devotees of Lord Murugan (also known as Lord Subramaniam) believe that Thaipusam is the day Lord Murugan was given the vel (divine spear) by his mother Parvati to defeat Surapadman, a demonic character.

Lord Subramaniam is worshipped as the granter of wishes. Those who wish to ask for a favour or to give thanks for a favour received participate in the festival of Thaipusam.

In Singapore, on the day of Thaipusam, devotees fulfill their vows in a 4.5 km walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Tempe on Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road, during with they carry pots of milk on their heads. The milk is then offered to Lord Subramaniam. A unique feature of Thaipusam is the carrying of kavadis (semicircular metal and wood structures). This act represents the offering of one’s burden to Lord Subramaniam.

On this day, devotees gather at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to perform a ritual that consists of taking bath and worshipping and making offerings to Lord Ganesha (the Remover of Obstacles) before they proceed on their walk of faith. Relatives and well-wishers assist and encourage the devotees by chanting prayers or singing devotional songs. It is believed that faith, devotion and religious fervour combined with strict and careful spiritual preparation help the people through this journey of thanksgiving.