Is It Happy Diwali or Happy Deepavali?

As the vibrant Festival of Lights approaches, a lively discussion has erupted among Singaporean Indians regarding the terminology used to celebrate this significant Hindu holiday. A local Reddit user recently sparked curiosity by questioning why the traditional term "Deepavali" has seemingly shifted to "Diwali" in recent years, particularly in advertising and social media.

The Redditor, a Singaporean with South Indian roots who grew up in a Tamil-speaking household, reflects on their childhood, noting that "Deepavali" was the prevalent term used in schools, advertisements, and holiday greetings. “Growing up, everyone used to say Deepavali,” they reminisced. However, they observed a growing trend of the festival being referred to as "Diwali," leading to concerns about the potential dilution of cultural identity associated with this beloved celebration.

The post resonated with many commenters, with several sharing similar sentiments about the shift in terminology. While there is a consensus that it’s crucial to respect differing opinions on the matter, a detailed exploration of the etymology reveals that "Deepavali" is derived from Sanskrit, with "Deepa" meaning flame and "Oli" meaning light—literally translating to "row of lights." This resonates with the tradition of lighting oil lamps during the festival as a symbol of the victory of light over darkness.

Interestingly, the usage of "Diwali" has surged not only in Singapore but globally, often attributed to the influence of the larger North Indian community. One commenter pointed out that while opinions among Tamil speakers may vary—some indifferent to the term change while others are fiercely protective of “Deepavali”—the integration of the North Indian term reflects the demographic shifts in the community.

In a light-hearted response to the ongoing debate, another user suggested that when greeting someone, it's best to simply choose a term—if corrected, most will respond graciously. “You’ve got a 50% chance of being correct,” they added, emphasizing the spirit of the festival over the semantics.

Some users shared their experiences of using both terms interchangeably, acknowledging that while for them the change may be subtle, it could serve as a reminder to Tamil speakers about the evolving nature of their heritage. Others cautioned against letting this discussion escalate into a language divide, urging unity in Singapore's multicultural landscape where various identities coexist.

With the Festival of Lights just around the corner, it’s a poignant reminder that, regardless of the term used, the essence of Deepavali or Diwali remains the celebration of hope, joy, and togetherness among friends and families. As the community prepares for a festive season filled with lights, sweets, and joyful gatherings, the focus remains on cherishing traditions and embracing the diversity that makes Singapore truly unique.

Conclusion

Let’s celebrate the Festival of Lights in all its glory, regardless of the name we choose to call it!