The chinese community also shops for new clothes, new household items and the favourite colour of the period will most definitely be red. The colour that signifies luck, prosperity, health and all things good. Younger members of the family will visit relatives and friends and family relationships are remembered. The Chingay parade adds to the festive atmosphere with lion and dragon dances, acrobats and decorated floats taking to the streets. The most important day in the Buddhist Calendar, Vesak Day marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
Devotees gather in temples throughout the country to offer prayers.
This is also an occasion to offer alms to monks and give free meals to the needy. You can visit Campbell Lane in Little India between 6 and 26 October this year for the street carnival atmosphere when the street is transformed into a festival village. There will be a showcase of the best Indian culture, featuring festival stalls offering a variety of jewellry and accessories, art and craft, home furnishings, food and spices. The lights and carnival will provide a cheery backdrop for cultural performances by local talent and foreign artistes representing a rare mixture of South and North Indian cultures. These performances will take place every evening, except Sundays, until the eve of Deepavali.