Celebrating every festival as a shared multicultural occasion and coming together in unity is the way of Singapore, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Deepavali light-up ceremony in Little India’s Serangoon Road on Sept 6.
He noted that the participation of not only diverse Indian communities but also other ethnic groups in the day’s events showcased Singapore’s multicultural spirit.
“Deepavali is about the light of understanding and human courage prevailing over the darkness of intolerance and bigotry,” Mr Tharman said. “When we light up this whole area (Serangoon Road), it is also about recognising the light in every individual and being that light for those who are disadvantaged, so that we uplift ourselves together.”
Organised by the Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association (LISHA), the event drew thousands of residents, community leaders and foreign dignitaries. Among those present were Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Culture, Community, Youth and Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash, and Mayor of Central Singapore District Denise Phua.
This year marked the return of the vibrant Utsavam street parade, with the whole of Serangoon Road closed for the first time to accommodate the festivities. More than 700 performers from 25 community, cultural, and arts groups took part.
Performers ranged from seniors aged 63 to 94 from the Sree Narayana Mission to children as young as four from Apsaras Arts. Youths, beneficiaries and volunteers from SINDA also joined the parade as a contingent under the theme ‘Moving Forward Together – A Journey with SINDA’, which marked the launch of the organisation’s annual Project Give initiative.
Speaking at the ceremony, LISHA president Regunarth Siva said: “As we light up Little India, let us also light up our hearts with joy, compassion, and hope. Deepavali reminds us to celebrate with our families, extend our hands to the less fortunate, and cherish the spirit of unity and togetherness.”
The event also saw President Tharman present tokens of appreciation to about 20 organisations that supported this year’s festivities. The Hindu Endowments Board, among other community groups and temples, also raised S$100,000 for the President’s Challenge and presented the cheque to Mr Tharman on stage.
The evening culminated with Mr Tharman and other dignitaries boarding a special peacock-themed float that paraded down Serangoon Road, as the street lit up with dazzling arches and displays.
This year’s light-up, themed “Aattam, Paattam, Kondattam” (dance, music, and celebration), features more than 600,000 LED bulbs, commemorating SG60, and 42 decorative arches stretching nearly 2km. The illuminations will run nightly from 7pm to midnight, until Nov 9.
Deepavali celebrations will continue until Nov 11, with cultural performances, workshops and family activities organised by LISHA and its partners. More information is available at www.deepavali.sg.
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