Today is a public holiday for Hindus to celebrare Deepavali or Diwali which means "a row of lights". There are various alleged origins attributed to this festival. Some 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.
There is also a legend where Narakasura, a demon, once ruled the kingdom of Pradyoshapuram. Under his rule, the villagers suffered a lot of hardship as the demon tortured the people and kidnapped the women to be imprisoned in his palace. Seeing his wickedness, Lord Krishna set out and finally slayed Narakasura on the day subsequently known as Deepavali. Deepvali is thus the celebration the triumph of good over evil, the triumph of light over darkness. One important practice that the Hindus follow during the festival is to light oil lamps in their homes on Deepavali morning. By lighting the oil lamps, the Hindus are thanking the gods for the happiness, knowledge, peace and wealth that they have received.
A few days from now, Muslims will celebrate Hari Raya Puasa and the following Monday will be another public holiday. This is a period of festivities to come. There is joy in the air as people in Singapore are in a festive mood. It makes one glad not to take the racial harmony that we enjoy in our multi-racial community for granted . Some Singaporeans have also taken the opportunity to take leave on Friday to plan trips out of the country.
To all Hindus, a very happy Deepavali!
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