Singaporeans joined Deepavali celebrations irrespective of their race and religion at the historic Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple in Ceylon Road.
A temple guided tour was provided to 50 volunteers from the South East Development Council (CDC). They learnt more about Hindu practices and the significance of Deepavali.
The temple that dates back to the 1850s reflects the multiracial nature of Singapore society. It was rebuilt in 2003.
The South East CDC made an effort to build greater awareness and appreciation of different cultural and religious beliefs in Singapore by organizing the visit.
"We want to make sure that we don't take our social cohesion and religious harmony for granted. We must make sure that Singaporeans appreciate that harmony," Dr. Maliki Osman, the district mayor told Channel NewsAsia.
Maliki said the temple had donors from different religions including Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities when it was being rebuilt in 2003.
Deepavali, which is also known as Diwali or Festival of Lights, spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wished all who celebrate the Festival of Lights, a Happy Deepavali through his Facebook post on Saturday morning.
