One of the biggest festivals celebrate by all Hindus worldwide is Deepavali or Diwali in India. This festival is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and happiness for five continuous days, with the third day being celebrated as the main Diwali or as Deepavali 'Festival of Lights'. One important practice that the Hindus follow during the festival is to light diyas, candles or oil lamps all around their house. By lighting their house the Hindus are thanking the gods for the happiness, knowledge, peace and wealth that they have received.
The auspicious day of Deepavali or Diwali is decided by the moon position & according to the Hindu calendar, Amavasya or the "no moon day" is considered the perfect day for the Festival. The dark night comes after every fortnight & in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November), it marks the festive occasion.
There are various alleged origins attributed to this festival. Some hold that they celebrate the marriage of Lakshmi with Lord Vishnu. In Bengal the festival is dedicated to the worship of Kali. It also commemorates that blessed day on which the triumphant Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. On this day also Sri Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. People celebrated this occasion by lighting diyas, candles or oil lamps to drive away the darkness of amavasya.
Preparation for Deepavali or Diwali usually starts at least two to three weeks before the festival. Most families will be busy cleaning and decorating their houses, some would even renovate their home for the festival. Usually families will shop for new clothes and accessories for their home, forexample, in Singapore most Hindus will go to Little India to do their shopping.
The Hindus will be awake as early as 3am for the first ritual to take an oil bath in the morning and wear new clothes, the oil is regarded as purifying as a bath in the holy Ganges. One of the important practices for the Hindus is to pay their respects to the elderly and most families would go to the temple after having breakfast. The reason why they would be going to the temples is to pray to get happiness and prosperity on Deepavali or Diwali. On the first day usually the Hindus would not go visiting but would stay at home to welcome the guests who visit them. Everyone forgets and forgives the wrongs done by others. There is an air of freedom, festivity and friendliness everywhere. This festival brings about unity and it instils charity in the hearts of people.
Visiting Hindus during Deepavali will be an interesting activity in most countries, as you will get to taste a wide variety of delicious food. Every home that you visit you will be served with a tempting spread of sweets. Some of the popular sweets are halwa, burfi and laddu. Hindus love eating spicy food and for non-vegetarians they indulge in favorites like prawn sambal, chicken tandoori, korma and fish head curry. As for vegetarian Hindus you would find vegetarians popular dishes like thosais, idlis and naans.
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Hari Raya Puasa
Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated by Muslims all over the World. It is a joyous occasion for Muslims, as it signifies a personal triumph, a victory of self-restraint and abstinence, symbolising purification and renewal. Most people mistake Hari Raya Puasa for the Muslim New Year, it is actually known as the festival that Marks the end of one month of fasting. ‘Hari Raya’ means day of celebration and ‘Puasa’ means fasting.
Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the names from the Muslim calendar, it’s when all Muslims start fasting for the whole month from dawn till sunset daily. During this period of fasting, apart from eating and drinking Muslims are also prohibited from smoking and any intimate relations during daylight. Muslims are encouraged to avoid cheating, hypocricy and other wrong doing behaviour during the whole month of Ramadan. Only sick Muslims and woman who have their menstruation are excused from fasting during this month, even the young children are taught to fast from the age of 7.
Preparations
The joy of Hari Raya Puasa actually begins before the first day. A week or so before the big day, excitement mounts as the house is readied for the celebration with new furnishing and decorations. Some families also do renovation for the house so that the house would look better when the guests visit it during the festival. Most family would shop for new clothes, curtains and other accessories for their home, an example in Singapore most Muslim would go to the popular muslim area such as Malay Heritage Centre or Geylang Serai to do their shopping. After fulfilling their one-month of fasting, the Muslims would be joyful to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa.
A time to forgive and forget
On the morning of the festival, the Muslims would wear their new clothes and go to the mosque to pray. They offer their thanks to God and after that they would ask for forgiveness from their elders. This is an important custom followed by the Muslims.
They feel that the young ones asking forgiveness from their elders is very essential. On the day, they also visit their relatives and friends to celebrate the happy occasion. If you visit Muslim homes on Hari Raya Puasa you can expect to taste a wide variety of delicious spicy dishes. Some favorite dishes that can be found in Muslims homes on this special occasion, especially in Singapore and Malaysia, are ketupat, lontong, nasi padang, beef rendang, sweets and cookies. The Muslims also have the habit of giving packets of money to kids when they go visiting. The packets are usually in green color and children often look forward to get these money tokens on Hari Raya Puasa. Overall, Hari Raya Puasa is a delightful festival for the Muslims.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all my family and friends in Singapore Maaf Zahir Batin.
Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the names from the Muslim calendar, it’s when all Muslims start fasting for the whole month from dawn till sunset daily. During this period of fasting, apart from eating and drinking Muslims are also prohibited from smoking and any intimate relations during daylight. Muslims are encouraged to avoid cheating, hypocricy and other wrong doing behaviour during the whole month of Ramadan. Only sick Muslims and woman who have their menstruation are excused from fasting during this month, even the young children are taught to fast from the age of 7.
Preparations
The joy of Hari Raya Puasa actually begins before the first day. A week or so before the big day, excitement mounts as the house is readied for the celebration with new furnishing and decorations. Some families also do renovation for the house so that the house would look better when the guests visit it during the festival. Most family would shop for new clothes, curtains and other accessories for their home, an example in Singapore most Muslim would go to the popular muslim area such as Malay Heritage Centre or Geylang Serai to do their shopping. After fulfilling their one-month of fasting, the Muslims would be joyful to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa.
A time to forgive and forget
On the morning of the festival, the Muslims would wear their new clothes and go to the mosque to pray. They offer their thanks to God and after that they would ask for forgiveness from their elders. This is an important custom followed by the Muslims.
They feel that the young ones asking forgiveness from their elders is very essential. On the day, they also visit their relatives and friends to celebrate the happy occasion. If you visit Muslim homes on Hari Raya Puasa you can expect to taste a wide variety of delicious spicy dishes. Some favorite dishes that can be found in Muslims homes on this special occasion, especially in Singapore and Malaysia, are ketupat, lontong, nasi padang, beef rendang, sweets and cookies. The Muslims also have the habit of giving packets of money to kids when they go visiting. The packets are usually in green color and children often look forward to get these money tokens on Hari Raya Puasa. Overall, Hari Raya Puasa is a delightful festival for the Muslims.
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all my family and friends in Singapore Maaf Zahir Batin.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Geylang Serai in Singapore
The cultural heart of the Malay community in Singapore is Geylang Serai.
This district is the best place to experience the typical ethnic group of Singapore as the Malays are the native inhabitants of Singapore.
In the early 1920s, after the British authorities dispersed their floating village at the mouth of the Singapore River, the Malay population moved out to Geylang Serai as a consequence of the keen competition for land in Kampong Gelam.
Geylang is still partly untouched by urban projects and developments that has changed the face of Singapore since the 1970s. The district is regarded as one of the happening districts with a glittering and vibrant nightlife.
Geylang Serai district is particularly famous for shopping, eateries and nightclubs, including a red-light district.
Many restaurants still have a strong Malay influence and offer traditional Malay cuisine.
Check out the Malay Village and feel the vibe of the traditional 'Kampung Days' lifestyle of Malays in the 1950s and 1960s.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a great time to visit Geylang.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is a time of abstinence, contemplation and worship for Muslims. It is one of the most significant celebrations for Muslims.
During Hari Raya Aidilfitri the streets in Geylang are colorfully lit with night bazaars offering traditional Malay handicraft, clothes and accessories, numerous food stalls offering traditional Malay food.
This district is the best place to experience the typical ethnic group of Singapore as the Malays are the native inhabitants of Singapore.
In the early 1920s, after the British authorities dispersed their floating village at the mouth of the Singapore River, the Malay population moved out to Geylang Serai as a consequence of the keen competition for land in Kampong Gelam.
Geylang is still partly untouched by urban projects and developments that has changed the face of Singapore since the 1970s. The district is regarded as one of the happening districts with a glittering and vibrant nightlife.
Geylang Serai district is particularly famous for shopping, eateries and nightclubs, including a red-light district.
Many restaurants still have a strong Malay influence and offer traditional Malay cuisine.
Check out the Malay Village and feel the vibe of the traditional 'Kampung Days' lifestyle of Malays in the 1950s and 1960s.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a great time to visit Geylang.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is a time of abstinence, contemplation and worship for Muslims. It is one of the most significant celebrations for Muslims.
During Hari Raya Aidilfitri the streets in Geylang are colorfully lit with night bazaars offering traditional Malay handicraft, clothes and accessories, numerous food stalls offering traditional Malay food.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Singapore's Chinatown
Chinatown was the heart of the city's trading activity in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
It is a bit funny to have a Chinatown in a country where over 70% of the population is Chinese.
Chinatown comes from the early British days where the city was partitioned into neighborhoods. The British divided the city into districts based on ethnic groups, in order to keep racial tensions minimized. At that time the Chinese population was a minority.
In those days the Chinese immigrants were pore and Chinatown was a place of many brothels and opium dens.
Today it is a fast developing area with plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants.
The old architecture has been preserved resulting in a neighborhood with traditional shop-houses, full of color.
Visit the Thian Hock Keng Temple, also known as the Temple of Heavenly Happiness. Completed in 1841, it is one of Singapore's oldest and largest temples.
The Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown is Singapore's oldest and most important Hindu temple. The Temple, covering Hundreds of brightly painted statues of deities and mythical animals, honors the Goddesses Devi and Mariamman.
Located on Telok Ayer Street, The Nagore Durghar Shrine offers a unique blend of Classical and Indian-Muslim motifs.
The Jinrikisha Station, now restored and turned into a shopping and recreational centre was once the station for up to 9000 jinrikishas.
One of the best times to visit Chinatown is a few days before the Lunar New Year or Dumpling festival.
Chinatown is just a short walk from Outram Park or Chinatown MRT Stations.
It is a bit funny to have a Chinatown in a country where over 70% of the population is Chinese.
Chinatown comes from the early British days where the city was partitioned into neighborhoods. The British divided the city into districts based on ethnic groups, in order to keep racial tensions minimized. At that time the Chinese population was a minority.
In those days the Chinese immigrants were pore and Chinatown was a place of many brothels and opium dens.
Today it is a fast developing area with plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants.
The old architecture has been preserved resulting in a neighborhood with traditional shop-houses, full of color.
Visit the Thian Hock Keng Temple, also known as the Temple of Heavenly Happiness. Completed in 1841, it is one of Singapore's oldest and largest temples.
The Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown is Singapore's oldest and most important Hindu temple. The Temple, covering Hundreds of brightly painted statues of deities and mythical animals, honors the Goddesses Devi and Mariamman.
Located on Telok Ayer Street, The Nagore Durghar Shrine offers a unique blend of Classical and Indian-Muslim motifs.
The Jinrikisha Station, now restored and turned into a shopping and recreational centre was once the station for up to 9000 jinrikishas.
One of the best times to visit Chinatown is a few days before the Lunar New Year or Dumpling festival.
Chinatown is just a short walk from Outram Park or Chinatown MRT Stations.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Singapore's Little India
Little India is the focal point of Singapore's Indian community. Walking into Little India is an overdose of inputs on your senses.
You will smell the strong, heady scent of spices and the beautiful smells of incense and hear the music of India blasting thru speakers around the neighborhood. Colorful silk saris, sculptures, silverware, brassware and wood carvings are displayed in the abundant shops.
If you enjoy hunting for bargains then Little India is the place to be.
Do not miss the Mustafa Centre, as it has quite a reputable name with the locals for selling goods at reasonable prices and it is open 24/7.
Worth a visit on your shopping spree are Tekka Mall and Sim Lim Square.
Visit one of the many Colorful Hindu temples, Mosques or Churches . Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on Serangoon Road is Little India's oldest temple, first built in 1881.
Abdul Gaffoor Mosque, founded in 1859 , is an historic monument in Singapore.
Tuesday and Fridays are the Hindu holy days, gods are honored with simple strands of flowers and on those days you will find plenty of small stalls selling flowers to be offered to the Gods.
There is no lack of restaurants in Little India. Make sure to try the “Teh Tarik”, a hand pulled cup of tea or some spicy Indian curry before you leave. For only a few dollar you will get a good meal in any of the restaurants.
During Deepavali (usually between Oct/Nov), the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is transformed into a explosion of colorful lights and music and the streets are bustling with shoppers.
You will smell the strong, heady scent of spices and the beautiful smells of incense and hear the music of India blasting thru speakers around the neighborhood. Colorful silk saris, sculptures, silverware, brassware and wood carvings are displayed in the abundant shops.
If you enjoy hunting for bargains then Little India is the place to be.
Do not miss the Mustafa Centre, as it has quite a reputable name with the locals for selling goods at reasonable prices and it is open 24/7.
Worth a visit on your shopping spree are Tekka Mall and Sim Lim Square.
Visit one of the many Colorful Hindu temples, Mosques or Churches . Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on Serangoon Road is Little India's oldest temple, first built in 1881.
Abdul Gaffoor Mosque, founded in 1859 , is an historic monument in Singapore.
Tuesday and Fridays are the Hindu holy days, gods are honored with simple strands of flowers and on those days you will find plenty of small stalls selling flowers to be offered to the Gods.
There is no lack of restaurants in Little India. Make sure to try the “Teh Tarik”, a hand pulled cup of tea or some spicy Indian curry before you leave. For only a few dollar you will get a good meal in any of the restaurants.
During Deepavali (usually between Oct/Nov), the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is transformed into a explosion of colorful lights and music and the streets are bustling with shoppers.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Great Singapore Sale 2008
It's one of those yearly events every Singaporean is looking forward too, The Great Singapore Sale, as Singaporeans favorite pastime is shopping.
From the 23rd of May till the 20th of July it's all about shopping.
From the smaller shops too the big and famous ones, it's the perfect time to get some amazing discounts.
Every year it attracts a big influx of tourists who have spend their holidays somewhere in South East Asia and have a stopover in Singapore to take advantage of the great bargains during the Great Singapore Sale.
It doesn't matter if you want the latest electronic gadgets, the latest fashion or some local souvenirs, it's all there with discounts up to 70%.
It's a good time for me to get an extra jeans besides the one I have!
Just remember the Singaporeans favorite slogan: Shop Till You Drop!!!!!!
From the 23rd of May till the 20th of July it's all about shopping.
From the smaller shops too the big and famous ones, it's the perfect time to get some amazing discounts.
Every year it attracts a big influx of tourists who have spend their holidays somewhere in South East Asia and have a stopover in Singapore to take advantage of the great bargains during the Great Singapore Sale.
It doesn't matter if you want the latest electronic gadgets, the latest fashion or some local souvenirs, it's all there with discounts up to 70%.
It's a good time for me to get an extra jeans besides the one I have!
Just remember the Singaporeans favorite slogan: Shop Till You Drop!!!!!!
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