Bright lights and festivals in Singapore

Over this autumn the island of Singapore has a host of different festivities for travellers to experience.

The island has several different ethnic groups celebrating their beliefs, including Chinese, Malay and Indian peoples, however many of the festivities are linked by a common theme - light.

Among the first of the season is the Mid-Autumn Festival, a Chinese tradition that involves lanterns, special street lighting and bazaars. From now until the end of September holidaymakers can experience the hundreds of lanterns and do as the locals do in Singapore's China Town by enjoying eating tasty mooncakes washed down with traditional tea.

Along with the festivities in China Town celebrations will be taking place by the Singapore River where there will be an installation of lanterns displaying 100 different Chinese surnames. There will also be cultural events taking place at Hong Lim Park, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum.

Another of the festivities that has already begun is the Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which began on September 8th 2007.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a Malay event that involves special illuminations at two Singapore districts, Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam. One of the best ways to see the festival lights is to head to the districts' lively markets, which sell handicrafts, clothes and textiles.

In addition, the Malay Heritage Centre at Kampong Glam will be holding performances, bazaars and cultural events at the weekends up until October 21st, which marks the end of Ramadan.

If you are visiting Singapore in October then there are plenty of bright lights and dramatic celebrations taking place for Deepavali, the Hindu festival of light.

Around ten per cent of the islanders are of Indian origin, many of whom are Hindus.

The island's oldest temple is the site of the most enthralling aspect of the Deepavali celebrations with the Theemidhi Festival on October 29th. After fasting and praying for months the participants show their devotion to their faith by walking across burning coals, in honour of the Goddess Draupadi who walked barefoot on hot coals to prove her innocence.

For more information on visiting Singapore see www.visitsingapore.com