Deepavali 2009 at Little India

Deepavali, or the Festival of Lights, is a time for rejoicing and renewal. Hindus all over the world celebrate the triumph of good over evil and many homes light up little lamps to usher in light and good fortune during this festival. Deepavali Festival falls on 17 October 2009.

This year’s Deepavali street décor is in stunning shades of purple and pink, giving Little India a charming royal feel. Thousands of twinkling lights have been put up on the festive street decorations lining Little India this Deepavali to celebrate the Festival of Lights. From Friday, 18 September 2009, Serangoon Road and eight additional major roads including Race Course Road, Buffalo Road, Dunlop Street, Syed Alwi Road, Kerbau Road, Upper Dickson Road, Belilios Road and Chander Road will be awash with festive lights and colourful décor to mark the most important celebration on the Hindu calendar.

Visitors can also take advantage of the many compelling offers available from discounts to $1 deals as well as Festival Light-Up Bus Tour and free walking tours within the precincts.

Highlights of this year’s Deepavali celebrations in Little India are:

Event 1 : Deepavali Bazaar

Date : Friday, 18 September 2009 – Friday, 16 October 2009

Time : 11.00am – 11.00pm

Venue : Deepavali Festival Village, Campbell Lane

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

Event 2 : Deepavali Trade Fair

Date : Friday, 18 September 2009 – Friday, 16 October 2009

Time : 11.00am – 11.00pm

Venue : Serangoon Road (opp. Serangoon Plaza)

The Fair will feature festive foods, ethnic wear, Indian artifacts and bargains.

Event 3 : UTSAV Deepavali Street Parade

Date : Saturday, 10 October 2009

Time : 7.00pm – 10.00pm

Venue : Race Course Road

Unique, native Indian performance art forms will be featured alongside cultural performances by various ethnic groups.

Event 4 : Vasantham –M1 Deepavali Countdown Concert

Date : Friday, 16 October 2009

Time : 9.00pm onwards

Venue : Race Course Road

A huge Countdown Concert to usher in the Festival of Lights! Local and international celebrities join in the celebrations in a variety extravaganza. The spirit and joy of the concert and festival will be televised live on Vasantham – a MediaCorp channel. M1 is title sponsor for the concert and welcomes the partnership for a community event like Deepavali Light Up.

Other festive highlights include Navarathiri or the Nine Nights Festival (19 – 28 September 09), Theemithi or the Fire Walking Festival (5 October 09) to herald in Deepavali.