Deepavali has always stood for the triumphant light that guides us out of darkness.
Our stories this week show that light shining brightest in the quiet resilience of our people, the richness of our heritage, and the shared warmth of our diverse community right here in Singapore.
In this festive edition, we celebrate these very threads of continuity and strength. We take you into the home of Assamese homemaker Apsara Bodo, whose festive table blends traditional Indian fare with the unique tribal flavours of the Dimasa community, offering a delicious taste of a “home away from home.”
Our visual spotlight turns to our Deepavali Fashion Special, The New Heirlooms, where nine women across generations showcase how vintage family treasures, from a grandmother’s gold bangles to inherited silk sarees, can be effortlessly reinvented alongside contemporary, modern silhouettes.
Alongside this, the opinion editorial from Rhama Sankaran traces the intricate journey of the Geographical Indication-tagged Tirubhuvanam silk sarees from Tamil Nadu, paying tribute to the enduring artistry of the handloom weavers who craft our festive memories.
Most movingly, we share the journey of Jasmeet Kaur, a mother and teacher navigating chemotherapy after a recent breast cancer diagnosis. Drawing on the Sikh spirit of Chardi Kala (an ever-optimistic, rising state of mind), she reminds us that celebrating isn’t about grand banquets, but about gratitude, family, and choosing joy in the face of adversity.
As the lamps are lit across our island, all of us at tabla! wish you and your loved ones a very Happy, luminous, and blessed Deepavali!
While you indulge in the festive cheer and beloved sweets, do remember to pace yourselves, nourish your bodies, and eat healthy this season. Cheers to good health, renewal, and endless light.
