Description
Behind Deepavali's dazzling lights are stories of faith, tradition and belonging.
Martial arts teacher Giri hopes to bring traditional Indian martial arts to the festivities, sharing his cultural heritage with a wider audience. Meanwhile, migrant worker Aakash prepares to celebrate another Deepavali away from his family in India. Can he recreate the warmth of home with his friends in Singapore?
In Little India, Siva recalls how celebrations have changed since his childhood as he helps organise this year's iconic light-up. Historian Soundaranayaki traces the festival's roots, exploring how Indian communities brought their traditions to Singapore and how Deepavali became a public holiday.
From sacred rituals and family traditions to cultural performances, we discover how Deepavali has evolved over generations and the different ways Singaporeans celebrate it today.
00:00 What is Deepavali, the Festival of Lights?
02:44 How Deepavali became a public holiday in Singapore
06:50 The people behind Little India's Deepavali celebrations
07:31 Bringing Indian martial arts to Deepavali
10:19 Firewalking on Thimithi
12:14 The first Deepavali light-up and bazaar
15:11 One festival, many food traditions
16:13 Celebrating Deepavali far from home
18:54 Bringing Deepavali traditions to life
20:18 Akash's mother's surprise visit
21:52 Finding the feeling of home in Singapore
WATCH MORE On The Red Dot: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkMf14VQEvTYbQaR9ddxnJmJRangPrY5f
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About On The Red Dot: CNA's weekly programme documents the stories of ordinary Singaporeans and celebrates their resilience, identity and sense of belonging.
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