Deepavali is one of the most beautiful cultural festivals that we get the privilege of celebrating in Singapore. Deepavali is called Diwali, and is known for being a beautiful festival of lights. But, apart from enjoying the beautiful lights along Little India, this is also a great opportunity to teach your kids about Deepavali!
Deepavali is one of the most beautiful cultural festivals that we get the privilege of celebrating in Singapore. Deepavali is called Diwali, and is known for being a beautiful festival of lights. But, apart from enjoying the beautiful lights along Little India, this is also a great opportunity to teach your kids about Deepavali!
Why should you teach your kid about Deepavali?
Teach Your Kid About Deepavali: Learn About The Origins Of Deepavali
I came across this video on YouTube, which illustrates the story of Deepavali beautifully! Even though it’s an 8 year-old video, it’s still a gorgeous and educational cartoon that your child is sure to enjoy.
Click here to watch it on YouTube!
Teach Your Kid About Deepavali: DIY Your Own Paper Diyas
Diyas are usually oil lamps made with clay, and what these beautiful lamps symbolize is the dispelling of darkness and evil – which is why you’ll see many of them during Deepavali!
Making a paper diya is a fun and educational way to teach your child about Deepavali. As this is a paper diya, it’s also more suitable for younger toddlers. There will be some cutting with scissors involved though, so be mindful of that!
All credits to this fun DIY activity go to The Crafty Angels. You’ll find lots of other wonderful DIY activities on their site too.
The materials you’ll need are very easy to obtain, they are:
- Colored papers
- Hole puncher
- Double-sided tape
- Glitter foam/gold paper/mirror paper
- Scissors
For instructions on how to make the paper Diya, do take a look at this wonderful post by The Crafty Angels!
Teach Your Kid About Deepavali: Experience Deepavali in Little India!
Even though the public holiday falls on 4th November – it doesn’t mean that you can only celebrate Deepavali on that day! In fact, there’s lots to do all the way until 21st November so there’s plenty of time for you to plan an outing with your children.
You can visit www.deepavalisg.com/eventlist to check out all the amazing activities planned!
Here are two in particular that sound really fun:
Papercraft Activity @ Indian Heritage Centre
The folks at the Indian Heritage Centre are organizing papercraft activities where your little one can DIY his or her own paper diya!
The activity will also be accompanied by a visual display that explains more about the meaning behind Deepavali.
To attend this fun activity, simply drop-in anytime between 8am-6pm on Nov 14 at the Indian Heritage Centre.
Watch The Deepavali Light-Up Along The Streets Of Little India
On 21st November, the streets of Little India will be lit up for the first time – which will definitely be an unforgettable experience for your little one!
What better way to teach your little one about Deepavali, than to experience the beautiful light-up?
Coupled with the decorations along Serangoon and Race Course Road in the Little India district, this will be the best way to immerse your child in the beautiful architecture reminiscent of South India.
Deepavali in Singapore: 4 November 2021
Taking a trip to Little India will be a great experience for the kids, but remember that it will probably be very crowded. With the social distancing regulations, it’s understandable if you’d rather stay home. Even so, your family can still appreciate the Deepavali festivities from home!
Cook up (or order-in) some authentic Indian food, watch some great Bollywood movies or listen to some Diwali songs. These are all great ways to teach your kids about Deepavali, while still having lots of fun.
