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SINGAPORE – Deepavali was a quieter occasion this year given the pandemic, but many devotees still found ways to thank and celebrate the festival of lights.
While some showed up at Hindu temples on Saturday (November 14) to offer their prayers and usher in new beginnings, more chose to perform their rituals online, from the safety of their homes.
When The Straits Times visited the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road, the masked devotees kept a safe distance while offering their prayers.
They also had to undergo temperature controls and follow a system of barricades that directed the flow of the faithful.
Deepavali has been “very quiet” this year, said Raja Segar, executive director of the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB).
“People understand the current situation and are aware that they cannot have big meetings,” he said. “But some of them felt that they should spend a little time in the temples, and we wanted to allow them to do that.”
At the four temples managed by HEB – Sri Mariamman Temple, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple and Sri Sivan Temple – visitors also observed safe handling measures.
Alternative live streaming arrangements were provided to allow devotees, particularly the elderly and those unable to make the journey, to be a part of the celebrations.
While many spent the day with their families, the manager of cleaning operations, Ravi MG Rajasagaran, chose to mark this Deepavali alongside migrant workers in the dormitories here, including shopping for food.
He only headed home late at night for dinner with his 30-year-old wife Mahaletchumi Asokan and their two young children Theevinesshvaren Ravi, seven, and Luutikaa Naidu Ravi, four.
“This year’s celebrations are different with Covid-19, but we are lucky to be able to spend it together,” he added.
On Saturday, politicians here also took to social media to convey their good wishes.
Chief Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam wished all Indians who celebrate the festival and “all who treasure Singapore’s multicultural diversity” a happy Deepavali.
In his post, he recalled a visit two years ago to the ancient ruins of the Hindu temple of My Son in Vietnam.
The temple complex is a reminder of the interplay of cultures that made Southeast Asia today, Mr. Tharman said.
“Some religions and cultures were ascendant for a time, depending on which kingdom ruled and which merchants predominated. But fortunately, none of the cultures has been able to completely eradicate the others.
“They are everything that has made the heritage of Southeast Asia so rich and complex,” he said.
Meanwhile, the opposition leader and the head of the Workers’ Party, Pritam Singh, shared that it was heartwarming to experience residents of different faiths and beliefs spreading Deepavali’s wishes to their Indian neighbors and friends during a walk through the farm in his neighborhood of Eunos.
“Whatever your faith, may Deepavali or the Festival of Lights bring peace, joy and happiness to you and your loved ones.”
In a video, Chancellor Vivian Balakrishnan extended her wishes to Singaporeans at home and abroad.
Even though this year’s Deepavali is different, with the need to celebrate in small groups due to the pandemic, the festival is a reminder that “there is always a victory, for hope and wisdom, even in difficult times.” .
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