October 18,2021
Why Do We Celebrate Deepavali?
Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, is no doubt a beautiful festival with beautiful traditions but so little is known about Deepavali in Singapore. As the year approaches the end, we're always so quick to jump into the Christmas festivities and often neglect how important Deepavali is to our fellow Indian friends. That being said, how much do you actually know about the history and traditions of Deepavali?
Image from Canva Photos
Behind the colourful lamps and the intricate rice flour decorations, the meaning behind Deepavali is actually pretty similar to how the Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year. Originally celebrated in India, the Deepavali celebration takes place after the monsoon season has ended and when the weather is peaceful and pleasant. During this festival, people try to make peace with their past mistakes, pay off old debts, get new clothes and clean their house as part of the Deepavali preparations. Notice how similar this is to Chinese New Year?
Image from Canva Photos
As for house decorations, they're definitely more striking than Chinese New Year decorations as the Indians typically decorate the outside of their houses with beautiful, intricate white rice colour designs that are filled in with colour. Colourful lamps, called diyas, are also lit outside and around their houses. People usually celebrate Deepavali over a plethora of Indian food with their loved ones, which is probably the most important part of Deepavali that everyone looks forward to. If you haven't gotten your Deepavali menus yet, we do have over 300 menus available this year!
The history of Deepavali is one with many stories, often tied to their Hindu religion. It is said to honour Rama-Chandra, the seventh avatar of god Vishnu. On this day, it is believed that the god Vishnu returned to his people after 14 years of exile, fought against the demon king and eventually won the battle. To celebrate his victory, people lit their houses brightly which has been a symbol of good over evil in modern-day Deepavali. It is also believed that the goddess of happiness and good fortune, Lakshimi, roams around Earth on this day to bless the house that is pure, clean and bright, which is why many lamps are being lited around the houses of those who celebrate, mainly to guide the goddess to their house to attain her blessings.
Image from Canva Photos
Now that you know the significance of Deepavali, don't you think it's such an amazing festival? Celebrate Deepavali with your loved ones or Indian friends this year with our Deepavali menus now!
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