SINGAPORE - Some 750 needy families across Singapore, including those with senior citizens, got some early Deepavali cheer on Saturday morning (Oct 22) ahead of the Festival of Lights next week.

Beneficiaries received festive packs filled with Deepavali goodies as part of an annual effort called Lighting Hearts, Lighting Homes to ensure that members of the community - regardless of race or economic background - can enjoy Deepavali. The packs, put together by hand, contained must haves like the murukku Indian snack, as well as everyday household essentials such as rice.

Now in its fourth year, the event raised some $100,000 in cash and in- kind donations. The donations were entirely raised by family, friends and well wishers by the team behind the initiative.

Event organiser Mr Logapreyan Renganathan said: "We are happy to spread the Deepavali joy, not only to Hindu families but to others in the community as well. It is a real victory of light over darkness when we light their homes and hearts with goodness and generosity."

Deepavali symbolises the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.