Diwali, or Deepavali, as it is known to some, marks the most important date on the calendar of Hindus all over the world. It is also one of the biggest and most widely celebrated religious occasion.Diwali In Singapore, What Is Diwali, Diwali Fun Facts, Holidays In Singapore, Festivals In Singapore, Cultural Awareness, What Is Diwali, Light Festival Diwali,

Across many regions, Diwali takes place over the course of five days and it represents the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. As part of the festivities, families decorate their floors with kolam or rangoli and light oil lamps to symbolized inner enlightenment which protects them from spiritual darkness.

In fact, there is more to this Indian Festival of Lights than just the pretty lights, bright colours, good food and beautiful sarees. Here are 14 interesting things you did not know about this dazzling light festival.

#1 CELEBRATED IN HONOUR OF LAKSHMI, THE HINDU GODDESS OF WEALTH AND PROSPERITY

In the Hindu faith, Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity and she symbolizes good luck. It is widely believed that Diwali is the day on which Lakshimi would roam the Earth and bless people with wealth.

Photo Credit: mahadev_ka_diwanaa_

#2 CELEBRATED ON THE 15TH DAY OF THE HINDU MONTH OF KARTIKA

According to India’s official holiday calendar, Diwali in 2018 will be on 07 November which coincides with the 15th day of Kartika, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Photo Credit: deehkooh

#3 CELEBRATIONS USED TO TAKE PLACE AT HIGH STREET

Located in the Downtown Core, High Street used to be lighted up in festive lights every Diwali. This is because it is home to Sindhi and Sikh jewellers and textile merchants who once ran their businesses there back in the early 1900s.

Photo Credit: chahat_creations_

#4 FINAL DAY OF DEEPAVALI IS KNOWN AS BHAI DOOJ

The final day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj and brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each other.

On this day, brothers would visit their sisters and perform a tilak ceremony where their sisters would apply rice and vermilion on the brother’s forehead that symbolises good health and fortune.

Photo Credit: thelotusshakti

#5 FLORAL DRAWINGS ON FLOORS OF HINDU HOMES CREATED USING COLOURED RICE FLOUR

Kolam or Rangoli is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice flour, chalk or rock powders which is made as a visual form of prayer to welcome deities into homes and ask for blessings. Some also believe that the Kolam or Rangoli stops evil from entering homes.

Photo Credit: vivi_ktanjoeng

#6 HINDU TEMPLES WERE THE CENTRAL SPACE FOR CONGREGATION OF INDIAN PIONEERS

Back in the days, whether they were labourers or civil servants, Hindus temples were the place to visit when it comes to the Indian community’s festive celebrations, especially on the morning of Deepavali.

Photo Credit: bakchormeeboy

#7 INDIAN PERFORMING ARTS

Held during the festive period of Diwali, the Kalaa Utsavam is an annual arts festival that celebrates the Indian arts. This 10-day arts festival presents an exciting line-up of classical and contemporary performances by Indian artists from Singapore and beyond.

Photo Credit: streetsofmadras

#8 INDIAN SWEETS ARE MILK-BASED AND GHEE-BASED

Traditional Indian sweets are mostly milk and nut-based which comes in a wide assortment such as burfi (milk-based sweets), laadu (flour and ghee-based balls) and jalebi (deep-fried flour batter coated in syrup), achu murukku (sweet crunchy snack made from rice flour and coconut milk) and kesari (semolina pudding).

#9 MARKS THE RETURN OF LORD RAM AND SITA

Diwali is primarily celebrated to mark the return of Hindu God, Lord Ram, and his wife, Sita, to their kingdom of Ayodhya after being exiled for 14 years following the defeat of demon king, Ravanna.

To celebrate, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the city with fireworks and diyas (light candles) to welcome them and celebrate their victory.

Photo Credit: kurudimath

#10 NOT THE CELEBRATION OF THE INDIAN NEW YEAR

Deepavali is not a celebration of the Indian New Year and the Indian New Year actually falls in April.

In fact, Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness in several stories from Hindu mythology and ancient literature.

Photo Credit: s_nilesh_s

#11 OIL BATHS DURING DIWALI CELEBRATIONS

During Diwali or the fourth day of Diwali, the oil bath ritual is practiced in getting rid of dirt and evil and those who do perform the oil bath will be blessed with wealth and prosperity. The traditional method of taking an oil bath is massaging sesame oil or coconut oil all over the body.

Photo Credit: super_handloom_creations

#12 SAREES ARE THE LONGEST PIECES OF GARMENTS IN THE WORLD

Sarees are a traditional Indian costume and worn by numerous Indian women during Diwali. Measuring between 4.5 metres to 8 metres in length, sarees come in multifarious weaves, textures and colours.

Photo Credit: rocky2j13

#13 TAKES PLACE OVER 5 DAYS

Diwali stretches for 5 days and every day has its own significance and importance, with each day dedicated to a different deity.

Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali and it is an auspicious day for purchasing utensils and gold. The second day of Diwali is called Narak Chaturdasi and it signifies the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Lakshmi Puja is the third day of Diwali and it marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations where Hindu homes light lamps and burst crackers to welcome prosperity. Govardhan Puja is the fourth day of Diwali and it is when people worship their instruments, arms and machinery. The fifth day of Diwali is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, and brothers and sisters meet to express love and affection for one another.

Photo Credit: ron_kuks

#14 WHAT YOU SHOULD SAY DURING DEEPAVALI

‘Shubh Diwali’ or ‘Shubh Deepavali’ means ‘have an auspicious Deepavali’ and it is the greeting exchanged during the festive time. Happy Diwali is fine too but why not use this chance to show off your cultural awareness?

2018 may have its many ups and downs—as do all years—and for all we know 2019 may come with its fair share of bumps as well, but the one thing that this new year promises, which we’re all insanely thrilled for is the fact that there will be a total of 9 long weekends—if you play your cards right and plan your leaves carefully.

That’s right, 2019 is going to be a year packed with long weekends and more importantly, opportunities to travel! Get out those pens and calendars because here, we give you the lowdown on the 9 long weekends in Singapore this year and the places that are worth travelling to during those periods!

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

• New Year’s Day – 1 Jan (Tuesday) – 1 day
• Chinese New Year – 5 & 6 Feb (Tuesday & Wednesday) – 2 days
• Good Friday – 19 Apr (Friday) – 1 day
• Labour Day – 1 May (Wednesday) – 1 day
• Vesak Day – 19 & 20 May (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
• Hari Raya Puasa – 5 Jun (Wednesday) – 1 day
• National Day – 9 Aug (Friday) – 1 day
• Hari Raya Haji – 11 & 12 Aug (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
• Deepavali – 25 Oct (Friday) – 1 day
• Christmas Day – 25 Dec (Wednesday) – 1 day

WHEN TO TAKE LEAVE:

New Year’s Day – 31 Dec (Monday)
Total Days Off: 4 days

Chinese New Year – 4 Feb (Monday)
Total Days Off: 5 days

Labour Day – 2 & 3 May (Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 5 days

Hari Raya Puasa – 3, 4, 6 & 7 Jun (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 9 days

Hari Raya Haji – 11 & 12 Aug (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
Total Days Off: 4 days

Christmas Day – 23, 24, 26 & 27 Dec (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 9 days

PLACES TO TRAVEL TO:

SHORT TRIPS (2  – 3 DAYS)

BANGKOK

A city that’s so full of vigour, Bangkok is hands down, one of our all-time favourite travel destinations because of its vibrant and ever-growing culinary landscape. From the throngs of roadside street food vendors that sell incredibly satisfying grub to a growing cafe and restaurant scene that plays host to young, talented chefs, the country is great if you’re a foodie like us.

But besides eating, the capital is also known for its shopping, affordable massage services and rich culture. Thinking of a short trip just to get away for a while? Bangkok’s your best bet.

VIETNAM

Vietnam is similar to Bangkok in many ways with its friendly locals, robust street food culture and beers that cost no more than S$0.50 a bottle, but perhaps the one thing that sets humble Vietnam apart is the fact that the country boasts a rather fascinating history of which many of their museums and exhibits do well to illustrate—namely the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace.

Vietnam is also a place bustling with street food with the iconic pho, spring rolls and banh mi ranking high on most tourist’s lists of must-try foods. But those aside, there are so many other types of local Vietnamese dishes that you probably haven’t heard of before.

SEMI-LONG TRIPS (3 – 5 DAYS)

BALI

White sandy beaches, lovely locals and beautiful boho-themed cafes that’ll leave you awestruck, Bali is a great place to consider if you’re looking for some solid R&R. Book yourself a villa with some of your mates, grab yourself a case of dirt-cheap beers and you’re pretty much all set for one heck of a holiday.

The bar scene in the Seminyak area is off the charts, but if you’re looking to party, we highly recommend Kuta. In the day, luxuriate in a medley of local Balinese cuisine featuring the likes of nasi campur and babi guling—among many others.

HONG KONG

Just a 4-hour flight away, the dim sum capital of the world remains among one of our top destinations within close proximity of Singapore. Dim sum is serious business here and you can find great ones from some of the country’s top restaurants or even cosy hole-in-a-walls that dish out affordable yet very good ones.

Dim sum aside, Hong Kong is also home to a dynamic and thriving coffee scene that’s great for coffee lovers and suckers for hipster cafes. Shopping’s not really huge here because prices are pretty comparable to Singapore but if anything, we’ll happily make a trip down for the food.

TAIPEI

Taipei is a modern city that bustles with nightly bazaars featuring endless seas of street food. We absolutely love the vibe the city offers as well as its striking similar appeal to Singapore, which allows one to feel right at home there.

Being able to speak basic Mandarin is a bonus but if you can’t, ordering food is as easy as pointing, nodding and paying. Must try’s include the famous pig intestine mee sua from Ah Chung Mee Sua as well as other street food snacks such as fried chicken cutlets, oyster omelette, stinky tofu, flame-torched beef cubes, savoury crêpes and Taiwanese beef noodles—just to name a few.

LONG TRIPS (5 DAYS OR MORE)

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

The candy land of cosmetics, skin care products and new-age street fashion, Seoul is a hotspot for young people, especially those hit hard by the Korean wave. We absolutely love Seoul and is a place that we often return to whenever we’re in need of an authentic Korean food fix.

For the shopaholics, head down to Hongdae where you’ll be greeted by alleys full of apparel stores or if you’re looking to stock up on cosmetics and other skin care products, Myeong-Dong is literally makeup Mecca.

TOKYO, JAPAN

Tokyo is a bustling city that never sleeps and is one that never grows stale no matter how many times you visit. To fully experience the modern city, you will need at least a full week but that’s provided you’re in it for the whole package which includes eating, drinking, sightseeing, shopping and the likes.

Be prepared to stuff yourselves silly with the likes of sushi, sashimi, ramen, yakitori, tonkatsu, soba and so much more! We always find ourselves returning home heavier and for good reason—the food’s just too good!