The Workers’ Party organised a Deepavali celebration for residents in their Aljunied GRC, over the weekend. The event, which took place at the Serangoon division of Aljunied GRC on Saturday (16 Nov), was hosted by Low Thia Khiang, Sylvia Lim, Pritam Singh, Faisal Manap and Chen Show Mao and saw the MPs light up the traditional lamp, enjoy stage performances with their residents and partake in a delicious feast.
The next day, WP secretary-general Pritam Singh shared on Facebook that organsing such community events are important to the WP but made challenging since the opposition party does not have access to facilities like Community Clubs (CCs).
CCs, which were set up to foster a sense of community among Singaporeans, run social, cultural, educational, sports and recreational activities for residents in the neighbourhood of the CC and maintains facilities that it uses for community events. Run by a group of volunteers who form the CC Management Committee, CCs also serve as a channel of communications between residents and the Government.
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Festival of lights
Why Do We Celebrate Deepavali?
Deepavali, otherwise known as the “festival of lights”, marks the triumph of good over evil for Hindus as it commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna, the ruler of Madura over the demon Narakasura, whose evil rule in the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram was much feared by the villagers. Upon Lord Krishna’s return, the city of Madura was in complete darkness as it was the night of a new moon.
Therefore, to celebrate the victory and welcome Lord Krishna, the people lit lamps to pave the way for Lord Krishna, hence Deepavali is also known as the “”festival of lights”. Another legend associated with Deepavali would be the return of Lord Rama from unjust exile by his stepmother after fourteen years and his defeat of the demon king, Ravana. Therefore, Deepavali is also celebrated to honour Lord Rama and to mark his triumph of good over evil. During Deepavali, Hindu homes are decorated with fresh mango leaves and kolams (Indian floor art).
It is also celebrated with the feasting on traditional sweets and snacks, visiting relatives and friends and lighting of oil lamps around the home. The oil lamps placed in the homes are believed to usher in good fortune.
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Shedding Light On Deepavali…Diwali
Deepavali, also known as the festival of lights is a Hindu celebration that will be celebrated on Tuesday.
‘Deepavali’ is associated with South India, while the North Indians call it ‘Diwali’. For South Indians, Deepavali falls on Ashvina Krishna Chaturdasi, the lunar day before the new moon. For the North Indians, it falls on Ashvina Amavasya the lunar day of the new moon.
In Singapore, both the North and the South Indians celebrate the festival of light on the same day.
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