SINGAPORE: Deepavali celebrations kicked off Saturday morning with special prayers at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple located at Serangoon Road.
Many visited the temple dressed in colourful traditional clothes after they had their traditional oil bath in the morning.
The festival of lights is usually celebrated in the month of Ippasi, according to the Hindu calendar.
But this year, Deepavali falls on the last day of the month of purattasi. Such an event only occurs once in every hundred years.
"That's the reason why we are here (at the temple)," said a visitor. "To get the blessings of god and hoping the year ahead will be good and prosperous for us."
Free food was also distributed to the devotees at the temple, which is a common sight during the month of purattasi.
After morning prayers, people rushed off to visit relatives and friends and feast on more food.
On the eve of the festival on Friday, more than 10,000 people gathered at a concert at Race Course Road to welcome Deepavali.
The concert was organised by LISHA and the Hindu Endowments Board.
Singapore's Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam joined in the countdown celebrations.
There were performances by Vasantham artists, and event was also streamed live on the internet.
At the stroke of midnight, a stunning display of fireworks welcomed the festival of lights. - CNA/y
Sun Oct 18, 2009 11:23 am