Get into the spirit of Deepavali with the whole fam while staying safe with these fun virtual events and workshops
A celebration of good prevailing over evil, Deepavali is one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar. It’s a time when families come together to eat, drink and be merry while dressed in dazzling new clothes. And while Little India is usually abuzz with crowded bazaars, enticing sales and shopping galore, this year’s activities are all set to be simpler and socially distanced. If you’re already missing all the festive fun, then hop online and check out these exciting events that are suitable for kids both young and old.
Art of Maruthani Workshop
Known as maruthani to the South Indian community and mehndi to the North Indian community, you can find vendors offering this form of temporary body art anywhere in Little India. But if you’re looking to learn how to apply it yourself, then sign up for this online henna painting workshop, which will teach you how to master these decorative designs for your palms and hands.
When: 7 November 2020, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Follow the LISHA Facebook page for screening details
How much: FREE
Celebrate Deepavali with Spice & Everything Nice!
The National Museum of Singapore will ring in Deepavali with a series of online workshops, talks and activities. Sit back and enjoy a unique classical Indian music presentation by brothers Govin and Krsna Tan, listen to storyteller Kamini Ramachandran break down the different traditions she observes when celebrating the Festival of Lights and dive into the various spices and the roles each one plays in both Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Rangoli artist Priya will also create a colourful Rangoli design in the museum, blending colourful powders with the spices that are featured in the museum’s William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings. Museum visitors can also enjoy free admission to all galleries on 7 November, in celebration of Deepavali.
When: 7-9 November 2020
Where: Follow the National Museum of Singapore’s Facebook page or website for video links and screening details
How much: FREE
Colours in Bloom: Rangoli-inspired Terracotta Pots Workshop
Unleash your creativity in this painting workshop and transform plain terracotta pots with rangoli-inspired designs. The workshop fee includes a set of acrylic paints, paintbrushes, a terracotta pot and a potted plant.
When: 14 November 2020, 2pm – 3:15pm
Where: Waterview Room, Gardens by the Bay
How much: $30. You will need to register online and make your payment by 9 November 2020 to secure a spot.
Community on Colours – Rangoli Art Installation
An Indian art form made from coloured rice, powder or sand, Rangoli is used to decorate the entrance to a home during festivals and special occasions. Get an up-close glimpse of it at the Community on Colours – Rangoli Art Installation. Coordinated by renowned Rangoli artist Vijaya Mohan, the installation will feature vibrant designs created by members from various voluntary welfare organisations. Don’t forget to mask up while admiring each beautiful piece! Want to watch Vijaya in action? Her Rangoli tutorial is available on the LISHA Facebook page.
When: 31 October to 6 December 2020
Where: POLI @ Hindoo Road
How much: Free, but entrance fees to POLI may apply
Deepavali Festival Village
The annual Deepavali Festival Village along Campbell Lane in Little India is a yearly highlight, but this year, it’s going online. Keep a lookout on the Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association’s (LISHA) Facebook page to participate in online bidding sessions and other live shopping slots.
When: until 10 November 2020
Where: Online
How much: Free to join. Individual prices for items may vary.
Deepavali Gastronomy Masterclass
If you’re a huge Indian food fiend and want to recreate some of your favourite dishes at home, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn key Indian cooking techniques, discover the types of ingredients needed, and watch the chef whip up special festive treats and dishes. After the masterclass, you’ll get to show off your own creations in an online competition to win attractive prizes.
When: 31 October 2020, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Follow the LISHA Facebook page for screening details
How much: FREE
Dheebam: The Deepavali Story
Another annual highlight, 2020’s live retelling of Deepavali’s origins and history will be done virtually instead. In addition to beautiful props, exciting dances and intriguing scenes, you’ll get a chance to participate in this year’s edition of Dheebam (which translates as “light”) as the screening will be interactive.
When: 7 November 2020, 7pm
Where: Follow the LISHA Facebook page for screening details
How much: FREE
Little India Deepavali Light-Up
More than a million bulbs have gone into this year’s vibrant Deepavali light-up in Little India, all arranged to form peacocks, lotus flowers and oil lamps. The main draw of the 2020 Deepavali light-up is the Goddess Mahalakshmi. Known as the goddess of wealth, prosperity, fortune and power, she is the embodiment of love and beauty in Hinduism. She is featured on the main arch at the entrance to Serangoon Road, and sits on a lotus flower while two elephants anoint her with water.
When: Street light-up from 3 October – 6 December 2020, 7pm – midnight daily
Where: Serangoon Road and Race Course Road
How much: FREE
Read more:
The post Kid-friendly Deepavali Events 2020: Street Light-ups, Rangoli Exhibitions & Henna Workshops appeared first on Sassy Mama.