Tamil Murasu – Deepavali Light-Up on September 6
This year’s Deepavali lighting ceremony will take place at Serangoon Road this Saturday, 6 September.
For the first time, the entire stretch of Serangoon Road will be closed, setting the stage for a spectacular road parade and a variety of artistic performances.
The festival, organised annually by the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA), will spotlight the theme “Aattam Pattam Kondattam.”
LISHA shared details about this year’s Deepavali celebration preparations at a press conference held on Wednesday (September 3).
The ‘Utsavam’ road parade, returning after many years, will take place across three locations — the ‘Grand Stand’ area opposite Tekka Market, in front of Veerasamy Road, and in front of Angullia Mosque.
In preparation, Hastings Road and the right-hand lane of Serangoon Road will be closed from midnight on Saturday until 3 am on Sunday.
On the event day itself, the entire stretch of Serangoon Road, from Bukit Timah Road to Kitchener Road, will be closed from 12 noon on Saturday until 3 am on Sunday.
‘LISHA’ is urging visitors to use public transportation to avoid traffic congestion.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be the guest of honour at the lighting ceremony, which begins at 6.30 pm on Saturday, where he will officially inaugurate the Deepavali light-up.
He will be joined by ministers, members of parliament, foreign ambassadors, community leaders, and other distinguished guests.
The public can view the parade from behind barricades along the roads, with more than 20,000 people expected to attend.
A total of 26 groups from various cultural organisations, including the High Commission of India in Singapore, are taking part in the road parade.
The event is expected to conclude at 10 p.m.
Following the lighting ceremony, a 2-kilometer stretch of Serangoon Road will be adorned with colorful lights daily from 7 p.m. to midnight for 64 days, until 9 November.
LISHA traditionally organises a variety of events each year to celebrate Deepavali. This year, a total of 12 events will take place from 12 September to 11 November.
As in previous years, stalls will be set up along Campbell Lane for Deepavali sales. Attendees can also look forward to treasure hunts, Deepavali-themed posters on public transport, and ‘Big Bus’ tours.
Additionally, renowned local chef Arifin will attempt to set a record by preparing 60 varieties of biryani in 60 minutes, in celebration of Singapore’s 60th birthday.
LISHA has also organised public workshops, including flower tying, rangoli drawing, and saree and dhoti wearing.
Meanwhile, SINDA has launched its annual Project Give programme.
At the press conference, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between LISHA and Sree Narayana Mission to undertake new initiatives aimed at supporting the elderly.
“We chose the theme ‘Aattam Pattam Kondattam’ to coincide with two major milestones — LISHA’s 25th anniversary and Singapore’s 60th birthday. Our aim is for families to come together and enjoy a joyful celebration,” said LISHA President Raghunath Siva.
For more information on Deepavali celebrations, visit www.deepavali.sg
This year, Deepavali will be celebrated on 20 October.
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