Deepavali celebrations back in full swing after two years

Families gather in big groups, crowds throng Little India to soak in festive vibe

- Anjali Raguraman

After two years of muted celebrations because of Covid-19 restrictions, Ms. Poovan Sundram and her immediate family will finally be able to celebrate Deepavali with her extended family - without any restrictions like the number of people allowed in the house.

"For the last two years, we didn't celebrate much because of the five-person restriction per household, but since we have kids, this year we are taking the celebrations seriously so that they understand our traditions," said the 32-year-old public relations manager, who is married with two children aged three and six.

Ms. Poovan plans to spend the whole day with the family, including her parents and sister's family There will be around 12 people at her mother's house on Deepavali on Monday, with a full itinerary that includes breakfast with the family, a lunch spread from Karu's Indian Banana Leaf Restaurant, watching Tamil movies on Vasantham after that, and playing with sparklers at night.

Planning for this year's celebration started two weeks ago, with a visit to the Deepavali bazaars along Campbell Lane, and opposite Centrium Square last week, to get accessories for her daughter like bangles and to get henna done on the hands. Her family also ordered festive clothes online well in advance.