Tamil Murasu – Attam, Pattam, Kondattam – Deepavali Light-Up 2025
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has said that Singapore’s way is to treat every festival as a multicultural celebration and to celebrate it together.
He made this statement while addressing the Deepavali Light-Up ceremony on Saturday (6 September) evening at the ‘Grand Stand’ stage set up in front of the Little India Arcade, where he was the Guest of Honour.
He noted that the participation of not only the diverse Indian community but also other multi-racial communities showcased Singapore’s diversity.
The President emphasised that at the moment the lamps are lit, we should remember to show understanding and compassion towards one another and remain united.
He further said: “The spirit of Deepavali is to recognise the light within each individual, to be a guiding light for the underprivileged, and to unite and uplift everyone.”
The festival, organised by the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA), was held on a grand scale with thousands of special guests, foreign representatives, and members of the public taking part.
From now until 9 November, Little India will be illuminated for 64 days, offering a visual feast for visitors.
This year, in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday, 600,000 LED lights have been installed, along with 42 decorative arches spanning a two-kilometre stretch from the Little India shopping complex.
The theme of this year’s Deepavali celebrations is Attam, Pattam, Kondattam.
The lighting ceremony was also attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and for Manpower, Mr Dinesh Vasu Dash; Minister of State for National Development, and for Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan; Mayor of Central Singapore District, Ms Denise Phua; as well as several foreign ambassadors.
President Tharman presented mementoes to nearly 20 community organisations that had contributed to the Deepavali celebrations. Meanwhile, various organisations and temples, including the Hindu Endowments Board, raised $100,000 for the President’s Challenge and presented a cheque to the President.
Adding to this year’s celebrations, the colourful Utsavam road parade returned after many years. For the first time, the entire stretch of Serangoon Road was closed for the occasion.
More than 700 people from 25 multi-ethnic, social and artistic organisations took part in the parade, which began at around 7.30 pm.
Notably, 23 seniors aged between 63 and 94 from Sree Narayana Mission participated as a contingent. The youngest performers were four-year-old dancers from the Apsaras Arts troupe.
This year’s parade also featured young artists, beneficiaries and volunteers from SINDA, who took part under the theme Let’s Move Forward, Together – A Journey with SINDA. The segment marked the official launch of SINDA’s annual Project Give initiative.
The parade commenced from Hastings Road and concluded at Birch Road. At 8.15 pm, President Tharman and other distinguished guests boarded a specially designed peacock-shaped float and travelled along the route.
As part of the Deepavali festivities, LISHA has also organised a variety of events and activities in collaboration with partners, running until 11 November. More details are available at www.deepavalisg.com.
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