Diwali (or Deepawali) is probably the most significant festival in Hinduism...
According to one of the many legends, associated with Diwali, it marks the day when Rama, the legendary king of Ayodhya, defeated the king of the demons, Ravana (Southern India marks it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura).
It is, therefore, celebrated by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs across the globe as the "Festival of Light", where the lights, or lamps, signify the victory of good over the evil within every human being, and uplifting of spiritual darkness.
Lights and lamps are also used to give directions to the ghosts of ancestors who come for a visit around this time...
Diwali also marks the beginning of the Hindu year and the holiday season is usually considered a good time to settle old bills and disputes, so the new year can "start clean"...
|
A tip from 'Metropolasia-Man':
Visiting Little India on or before Deepawali is really nice: Serangoon Road and its offshoots are beautifully decorated and lighted, the temples are adorned with impressive flower arrangements and traditional ornaments, shops are packed to the ceiling with unique stuff, and the streets are chock-a-block with shoppers...
|
During the holiday's five days, Little India's streets and temples are beautifully decorated with dazzling lights, impressive flower arrangements and traditional ornaments. Numerous street stalls are selling colorful Indian sweets and people are visiting their kin, relatives and friends... the doors are open for guests, and friends from different communities are also welcome to pop-in without invitation.
Family reunion dinners are popular too, where members of the family, near and far, get together for celebration.
..................................................................................................................
Muslim holiday Eid ul-Fitr (often abbreviated to Eid) is known in Singapore as Hari Raya Puasa. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is an Arabic word meaning "festivity", while Fiṭr means "to break the fast" (and can also mean "nature", from the word "fitrah") and so symbolizes the breaking of the fasting period.
During the holiday, Geylang (Singapore's Malay area) is heavily decorated with dazzling lights and various ornaments.
Other traditions include holiday feasts, to which Muslim and non-Muslim friends are invited, visiting and attending to the graves of loved ones, giving money to the poor and visiting kin and relatives.
..................................................................................................................
Eid al-Adha (known in Singapore as Hari Raya Haji) is a Muslim religious festival that commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah. The story is quite similar to the biblical version, only that according to Muslim belief it was Ismael and not Isaac who Abraham was told to sacrifice. It is one of two Eid festivals that Muslims celebrate.
The Haj (pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia) is this holiday's most famous tradition. Other traditions include the holiday feast, which consists of lamb (to commemorate the lamb that Abraham slaughtered instead of his son), prayers and family visits.
The Muslim lunar calendar does not have leap years, so Muslim holidays can occur in different seasons...
|
So... who was about to be sacrificed to God ?
The muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha commemorates Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael for Allah... The story is almost identical to the biblical version, followed by Christians and Jews, only that according to Muslim belief it was Ismael and not Isaac who Abraham was told to sacrifice...
|
..................................................................................................................
As Christmas approaches, the city is decorated with a blaze of colors and spectacular ornaments (Orchard Rd. and Marina are particularly decorated). The major shopping malls are adorned in Western style and irresistible sales are all over the place... Christmas in the Tropics is the name of the annual shopping and entertainment festival, with performances of artists and entertainers, shopping specials, concerts and dance parties.
..................................................................................................................
Next in line: International festivals and Cultural events
