At the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) on Campbell Lane, seven women draped in vivid sarees stand beneath a canopy of hanging diyas – each colour, a story; each fold, a celebration.
Shot for tabla! in collaboration with IHC, Jewel Palace, and Colorz of Earth, the scene captures the true spirit of Deepavali – a festival where light, colour, and tradition entwine into a living heritage.
This year, the IHC is also hosting its Deepavali Open House 2025 till Oct 19, offering free admission, cultural performances, festive bazaars, and craft workshops.
As visitors explore the vibrant displays of sarees and jewellery, the festival’s message of unity and light glows even brighter.
The Language of Colour
In Indian tradition, colours are not mere decoration – they are emotion, philosophy, and prayer made visible. Each shade worn during Deepavali carries its own symbolic resonance.
As stylist Deepali Satpute, who conceptualised and styled the tabla! shoot, puts it: “For this special feature, I wanted to translate the spirit of Deepavali into fabric and form. Each saree tells its own story of colour, emotion, and celebration – together, they create a living rangoli. My love for sarees comes from how each drape carries its own artistry and identity. It’s more than fashion – it’s storytelling in six yards.”
Gold: The Colour of Prosperity
Gold gleams through Deepavali as a symbol of abundance and divinity. Associated with Goddess Lakshmi, it represents wealth and auspicious beginnings. From gilded borders on Kanchipuram silks at Jewel Palace to gold-tinted silver jewellery by Colorz of Earth, this hue embodies both material and spiritual prosperity.
Ms Sarika Jain, founder of Colorz of Earth, says: “Colorz of Earth resonates deeply with this year’s theme – Colours of Deepavali. Silver, especially when kissed with gold tones, mirrors purity, prosperity, and new beginnings. Each design in our festive collection reflects the radiance of the festival – handcrafted in silver, but glowing with the warmth of gold.”
Red: The Colour of Power and Love
Red is passion, strength, and Shakti – the feminine energy that fuels the festival’s flame. It is the colour of the sindoor, the bride’s sari, the first ray of dawn. To wear red at Deepavali is to celebrate courage and love in equal measure.
A crimson silk, paired with temple-inspired jewellery, radiates that timeless Deepavali glow.
Yellow: The Colour of Light and Knowledge
Yellow, bright as marigolds strung across doorways, evokes joy and optimism. The hue is sacred to Lord Vishnu and signifies learning and renewal. For day pujas or festive brunches, a mustard or sunflower-yellow saree paired with silver filigree adds the brilliance of sunlight to the celebration.
Green: The Colour of Growth and Harmony
Green whispers of new beginnings – of life sprouting after monsoon rain. It is the colour of balance, representing both prosperity and peace. A parrot-green Kanchipuram silk, offset with gold motifs, makes a powerful statement of tradition reborn.
Pink: The Colour of Joy and Compassion
Soft yet celebratory, pink carries the sweetness of affection and the playfulness of festivity. For evening gatherings, rose-pink sarees paired with handcrafted silver jhumkas blend femininity with grace.
Model Anamika Ranjan, part of the shoot, shared: “Deepavali is more than a festival – it’s a feeling that illuminates every home and heart. The sarees’ vibrant hues – crimson, gold, royal blue, bright yellow – reflected everything Deepavali stands for: radiance, joy, and togetherness.”
Blue: The Colour of Calm and Strength
Blue brings serenity amid celebration – like the twilight sky awaiting the first diya. It symbolises depth, faith, and resilience. Draped in indigo silks with silver-toned jewellery, one embodies calm confidence even amidst the sparkle of the night.
Orange: The Colour of Energy and Awakening
Orange blazes with vitality, recalling the sacred fire and the morning sun. It represents enthusiasm, spirituality, and transformation – a fitting reminder that every Deepavali marks renewal. An orange-gold fusion saree catches the eye and celebrates the festival’s pulse of energy.
White and Silver: The Colours of Purity and Peace
White is the quiet after the fireworks – a colour of reflection and grace. Silver complements it, reflecting both moonlight and hope. Together they bring closure to the old year and clarity to the new.
The Artisans Behind the Radiance
Jewel Palace, nestled along Buffalo Road, is a beloved name in Singapore’s Little India – known for its fine Kanchipuram silks, Banarasi weaves, and bridal trousseaus. It remains a trusted destination for those celebrating their roots through fashion.
Colorz of Earth is Singapore’s homegrown Indian brand that bridges heritage and modernity through handcrafted 925 sterling silver jewellery inspired by temple, Kundan, and vintage designs – each piece made by artisans from across India.
The collaboration between these two brands and the IHC shoot underscores how fashion can carry culture forward.
As Ms Deepali summed up: “Just as it takes many diyas to light up the night, it takes many colours to tell the full story of Deepavali. These sarees connect us to the artisans who made them and to the generations of women who have worn them before – a living link to our heritage.”
At the Indian Heritage Centre, where this tableau of colours came alive, the festival’s deeper message shines through – that light and tradition, when shared, never fade.
Credits: Concept & Styling: Deepali Satpute
Photography: Vhok John
Models: Anu Alex, Keerthi Pai, Isha Chaudhari, Anamika Ranjan, Deepali Satpute, Meena Bennett, Ambica Doerr
Hair & Make-up: Jannat Roshan, Deepika K, Vandana Arora
Sarees: Jewel Palace | Jewellery: Colorz of Earth | Venue: Indian Heritage Centre
