Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: Little India is abuzz with the grand light-up and heavy human traffic ahead of Deepavali on Saturday.
A street parade called "Utsav" was held on October 10 along Race Course Road, and it clearly captured the essence of the celebrations.
The event, which was introduced in 2004, is part of the festivities to preserve and showcase the rich cultural traditions of Indians. This year, thousands gathered to catch the songs, dances and martial arts performed by local artistes, as well as artistes from India and Sri Lanka.
As part of the festivities, many people are buying gold despite prices hitting new highs recently. However, some people are holding back, preferring costume jewellery instead.
The Deepavali fair at Campbell Lane is packed with traditional and modern delicacies and decorative items for the home. It is congested in the evenings with the after-office crowd and others looking for bargains.
The needy have not been forgotten amidst all the festivities. Visitors to the area are urged to donate to the Singapore Indian Development Association's (SINDA) "Project Give" – in order to help needy families cope with the economic downturn.
The donation booth will be open till the eve of Deepavali, and SINDA said it is encouraged by the response.
Moreover, some 500 members of Rider's Aid did their bit for "Project Give" by taking part in a charity ride - from Hougang Stadium to SINDA's headquarters in Little India - on Sunday.
The ride was organised in conjunction with Deepavali and marked Singapore's racial harmony, as most of the bikers were Malays.
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