Minister Alvin Tan engaged market stallholders, community leaders and temple representatives ahead of Deepavali celebrations.
Singapore Minister of State for Trade and Industry and National Development Alvin Tan visited Tekka Market and two Hindu temples in Little India to mark Deepavali 2026, engaging market stallholders, community representatives and temple leaders. The visits, held in the days before the Festival of Lights, highlighted community outreach activities and the preparations that went into this year’s celebrations in Singapore.
At Tekka Market, Mr Tan visited stallholders early in the morning to distribute murukku, a traditional Indian savoury snack, ahead of the Deepavali shopping rush. The annual initiative was organised together with the Tekka Residents’ Network, Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LiSHA) leaders and the Market Association.
The activity gave Mr Tan and community representatives an opportunity to meet familiar stallholders and share festive greetings with the market community. He also extended his wishes to the Hindu community, saying, “Wishing everyone a bright and joyous Deepavali. Deepavali Vazhthukkal!”
Mr Tan also visited Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Shree Lakshminarayan Temple in Little India during a morning engagement. Both temples were serving devotees as preparations and religious activities continued for the festival.
During the visits, Mr Tan acknowledged the contributions of the Moulmein-Cairnhill Harmony Circles (MoCa), which serve as community partners to both temples. He also thanked Raj and his team at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, as well as Harish and the new committee at Shree Lakshminarayan Temple, for their continued partnership over the years.
The engagements highlighted the involvement of local community networks, religious institutions and business representatives in supporting Deepavali activities in Little India.
Tekka Market and the surrounding Little India district are important gathering places for the Indian community, particularly during the festive period. The annual distribution of murukku and visits to religious institutions gave community representatives opportunities to connect with residents, traders and devotees as the celebrations took place.
Source: Facebook/Alvin Tan 陈圣辉
