2 Month Long Diwali Festival Begins In Singapore's Little India

Musical and dance shows by artists from India and local talents will lead performances on weekends along with fashion shows and exhibition of Indian pottery-making.

The celebration will also include Navaratri festival and fire-walking (Theemidhi), that is annually held by south IndianBSE 4.22 % Hindus in temples in Malaysia and Singapore.

The carnival and festivities will be held from September 19 to November 22, about a week after Diwali.

Chandra said for tourists in Singapore, Little India is among the prominent attractions, and many of them make several visits to understand India's culture, ambiance and a wide range of Indian products, he said.

"We are the most like India itself," underlined Chandra, who runs shops in the precinct that sell Indian-origin goods.

He pointed out that the riots by some 300 South Asian workers here on December 8, 2013 has long been forgotten as a one-off incident. It was Singapore's worst street violence in 40 years and was sparked by a fatal accident of an Indian.

Singapore has since enforced a number of rules and regulations to control rowdy elements.

Chandra said Little India has become a better place since the riot. "It is a lifestyle hub for Indians in Singapore."