Deepavali and Hari Raya Puasa
Earlier this month, Singapore celebrated Deepavali (November 1st) and Hari Raya Puasa (November 3rd).
Deepavali is a Hindu holiday celebrated on the new moon of the seventh month. It is also called “Festival of Lights” which is evident from a short trip at this time to Little India where the street were alight. For Hindus, this celebration marks good’s triumph over evil. During this time, Hindus light oil-lamps, decorate their homes with Rangoli designs and take part in different sets of fastings and feasts. One of my students’ moms came in and showed the students these Rangoli designs which are typically made from rice powder and coloured chalk and decorate the floors of homes. This mom also played some Indian music and gave the children some traditional Deepavali sweets to try. These sweets included Kheer (made from rice, milk, sugar and raisins) and Rasagolla (made from milk, floor and sugar). I liked the Kheer best!
Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan (1 month of fasting) for Muslims. In Malay, Hari Raya means “Day of Celebration”. Puasa means “fasting or abstaining” [In January Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Haji which is know as the pilgrimage festival because it marks the end of the long journey to the Holy City of Mecca]. Hari Raya Puasa includes going to the temples to pray, asking elders for forgiveness, handing out money packets to the younger generation, giving to the poor and great feasts of spicy and sweet dishes. Another mom from my classroom came to read a story about the history of Hari Raya Puasa and shared with us a special cake of many layers called Kue Lapis.
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