Devotees will have to go through many rituals during Deepavali. They have to take oil baths, which symbolize purification and a new beginning, before they visit the temple. At the temple, they will have to break coconuts, The hard shell of the coconut represents egos and pride and the white flesh represents humility and purity, thus the hard shell need to be broken in order to attain the two virtue represented by the white flesh.
On this day, the devotees will also light the oil lamp in the house as they believe that the light from the lamps will guide the wandering souls of the departed to the correct path. This practice originated from one of the Hindu Mythology in which Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after a fourteen year exile and a battle in which he killed the demon king, Ravana. It is believed that the people of Ayoghya lit oil lamps along the way to light his path in the darkness.
The Hindus will decorate the entrances to their home with a kolam for the festival. The kolam is a complex floor drawing coloured with different hues of rice powder that is meant to invoke the blessing of Lakshimi, the Goddess of Wealth. All kolams are symmetrical as it represents the idea of universal balance and this is one of the key values of Hindu beliefs.
Other than these domesticated practices, we have a public celebration for Deepavali as well. Thus, even if you are not a Hindu, you still can join in this festive ocassion where most of the related activities will be held at our very own Little India. The street lights on the road along Little India will be decorated with thousands of twinkling light bulbs shaped elaborated design and symbols that are unique to the Indians. The whole street will look absolutely stunning and gorgeous when the night falls.
They will also bulid a temporary stage for cultural performances and a countdown concert. Professional dance troupes and singers will be invited to this event to perform. Thus, all Indians will gather there to sing and dance along with the music and celebrate Deepavali together.
A video that shows the Deepavali market, taken from youtube user ' goforthe hole'
The other highlight of the event will be the Deepavali Bazaar where you can find all sorts of festive food, ethnic clothing and Indian artefacts. It would be an interesting and enriching experience for you to visit Little India during the festive season as the essence of their culture will all be featured in these activities and performances which would be rare to see at other times.
Reference:
http://www.travel-singapore.com/events/november.htm
http://www.etour-singapore.com/deepavali-in-singapore.html
http://sparklette.net/events/little-india-street-light-up/
http://www.singaporesights.com/sight/deepavali-2009-little-india
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