Going For A Deepavali Visit? 5 Things You Shouldn't Do

Diwali or Deepavali is the festival of lights that is celebrated yearly. This year, people will be celebrating Diwali on November 14. Just like every other major cultural festival in Singapore, open houses are usually held during Deepavali celebrations. If you are going to your first Deepavali home-visiting, you would probably want to know what you should or shouldn’t do before you get to enjoy those Diwali treats. Let’s begin!

1. Do not step on the rangoli kolam

Photo by Sandeep Kr Yadav on Unsplash

Kolam is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice flour, chalk, chalk powder or rock powder. It is thought to bring prosperity to homes. Your hosts probably put in a lot of effort into setting them up, so if you are visiting with young children, do tell them to be careful not to step on or mess up these kolam decorations.

2. Do not reject food when offered

Photo by Shreyak Singh on Unsplash

Reject treats or food when offered by elder people is deemed as impolite. Who could reject a good Briyani or mutton curry anyway? Also, if you are served with banana leaf rice, it is best to eat it with your hand!

It is also a standard Indian practice to have second servings if you are eating there for the first time. This shows that you are happy to establish a friendship with the family and that you will come back again in the future. However, make sure to only take what you can finish, because food wastage is a big no-no!

3. Do not be anti-social

Do make an effort to greet the hosts and their family. Greeting or wishing them in Tamil would certainly be a plus point to win their hearts. Just put both hands close to your chest and say ‘Vanakkam’ (Hello) or ‘Deepavali Valthukkal’ (Happy Deepavali). However, if that is too much for you, a smile and a simple ‘Happy Deepavali’ would suffice.

4. Do not disrespect the deity statues

Photo by Sonika Agarwal on Unsplash

Every religion’s deity should be treated with respect. Some homes that you will be visiting might have their own deity for worship, so you should refrain from making fun of the deities. To add on, when removing your shoes to enter the home, be aware not have your shoes placed anywhere near or facing any religious statue.

5. Do not wear dark colours

Photo by Udayaditya Barua on Unsplash

Wearing dark coloured clothing is not prohibited but try not to wear dark colours when you are doing your Deepavali home-visiting! Well, Deepavali is a celebration of light after all, and it is only fitting to deck yourself in the brightest colours to join in the festivities.

If you’re looking for Deepavali menus, check out this list now: https://www.foodline.sg/deepavali/