In Pictures: Deepavali in Singapore through the years

Deepavali also known as the Festival of Lights is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated in Singapore. The traditional lighting of oil lamps signifies the triumph of good over evil.
Preparations for Deepavali start weeks in advance with cleaning and decorating of the house, buying of new clothes and making traditional cookies.
Deepavali is a joyous occasion where families and friends get together to celebrate.
Curated by Gokelam Ponniah Achary. Photographs can be purchased from the Information Resource Centre, tel: 63195726, 63195508

Updated

Published

October 4, 2017 at 7:52 AM

1978: A devotee walking barefoot across the 3m long pit of smouldering coal. The annual fire walking ceremony is held about a week before Deepavali. ST PHOTO: FRANCIS ONG PUAY GUAN

2009: The annual Karwa Chauth prayer usually takes place about ten days before Deepavali. Married North Indian Hindu women fast for a full day as they pray for their husbands to have long, healthy lives. TNP FILE PHOTO: CHOO CHWEE HUA

2007: Dancers from Apsara dance troupe performs as part of the street light-up ceremony in Little India. ST FILE PHOTO: EDWIN KOO

1956: Sweet and savoury snacks being purchased for Deepavali. ST FILE PHOTO: LOW YEW KONG

1960: A sweet vendor displaying his goods at a stall with decorations for Deepavali. ST FILE PHOTO: HAN HAI FONG

1952: A vendor selling flowers to Deepavali shoppers. Flowers play a symbolic role in Hinduism; they are offered to the deities as a sign of respect. ST FILE PHOTO

2016: A wide array of savouries like "Murukku" and "Omapodi" (deep fried snacks made of rice and gram flour) are highly sought after during Deepavali. TNP FILE PHOTO: PHYLLICIA WANG

2012: Shoppers at the Deepavali bazaar along Campbell Lane. A bustling street full of shops selling indian ethnic clothes, ornamental decorations and greeting cards. ST FILE PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG

2012: The important deities to worship on Deepavali are Lord Ganesha who is the God of wisdom, success, prosperity and Goddess Lakeshmi who is Goddess of all wealth. ST FILE PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG

2011: Customers getting intricate henna patterns applied on their hands at Deepavali bazaar. TM FILE PHOTO: ARUN RAMU

1957: Crowds in Serangoon Road on the eve of Deepavali. ST FILE PHOTO: MAK KIAN SENG

2014: Indian film actress Andrea Jeremiah performing at the Deepavali countdown concert. TNP FILE PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

2008: Devotees placing lamps at an altar at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on the eve of Deepavali. ST FILE PHOTO: DESMOND LIM

1951: A prayer ceremony at home is a must for Hindus on Deepavali morning. ST FILE PHOTO

1999: Prayers performed before family shrine are part of the morning rituals on Deepavali. ST FILE PHOTO: JOYCE FANG

1978: Deepavali celebrations begin with prayers for these children at the Srinivasa Peramul Temple at Serangoon Road. ST FILE PHOTO: CHEW BOON CHIN

2007: The temple visit comes next after the morning rituals at home. ST FILE PHOTO: BRYAN VAN DER BEEK

1962: A family all dressed up for Deepavali celebrations. The day is rounded up by visits to the homes of friends and relatives. ST FILE PHOTO: ALI YUSOFF

1951: A long queue to catch a popular Tamil movie in the midst of Deepavali celebrations. ST FILE PHOTO

2010: Construction workers gathering in line to enjoy a buffet spread. The dinner is an annual tradition for the company, to help their workers to celebrate Deepavali. ST FILE PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

1960: Queen of Light contest at the Deepavali Ball in Victoria Memorial Hall. ST FILE PHOTO: CHEW BOON CHIN

2008: Lamps are placed on a beautiful rangoli made of flowers petals on Deepavali night. ST FILE PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN

2008: Lighting up sparkles are a common part of Deepavali to drive away the darkness and ward off evil from one's surroundings. ST FILE PHOTO: WANG HUI FEN

2016: Women members of Parliament ditched their regular power suit and outfits-for sarees to celebrate Deepavali. TM FILE PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

2003: Deepavali usually falls around late October or early November yearly on the new moon day. Non-Hindus also share in the celebration by visiting their Hindus friends. BH FILE PHOTO: JOHARI RAHMAT

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