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		Thu, Nov 08, 2007 The Straits Times
Tradition meets joy for Deepavali
SETTING THE PLACE AGLOW Mr Prakash Kejriwal, 38, lights candles with his family - son Laavanya, eight; wife Veena Prakash, 35; and daughter Esha, three - outside their home in Meyer Road as part of the Deepavali celebrations. Hindus traditionally welcome the festival by laying broken rice on the floor in a floral pattern. Then, candles and lamps are lit around the house to mark the triumph of good over evil. The festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus all around the world.

DEEPAVALI is a time when foreign workers here would send money home to relatives in India for the festival.

Foreign worker Ariva Lagan, 29, fills up a money transfer slip before joining the queue of about 60 people at a Western Union money transfer shop in Little India.

He's remitting $1,150 to his mother, father and sister in Tamil Nadu. He usually does this every two months after getting his salary, but this time, he is doing it two days before Deepavali so that they can buy new clothes and things for their celebrations.

He says he will call his family and friends in India to wish them well.

Today, he is going to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dressed in new clothes, with his Indian national friends. Many of his friends have also remitted money through Western Union to their families.

FIT FOR A GODDESS

Mohan Gurukkal, an Alankara priest, decorates a statue of Sri Mariamman, the Hindu Goddess of Rain. Hundreds are expected at Singapore's oldest Hindu temple to light oil lamps as offerings to her.

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