As the festival of lights, Diwali, illuminates homes across India, its warmth reaches far beyond—especially in Singapore, where thousands of Indian migrant workers keep traditions alive. Far from home, these construction workers, shipyard laborers, and domestic helpers transform dormitories into hubs of joy, bonding over fragrant biryani, sugary sweets, and crispy snacks.

A Taste of Home: Biryani, Sweets & Shared Memories

For migrant workers, Diwali isn’t just a festival; it’s a lifeline to family and familiarity. With tight budgets and grueling work schedules, they still recreate the magic of home.

“We may not be with our families, but we make Diwali feel as close as possible,” says Ramesh Kumar, a construction worker from Tamil Nadu.

The star of the feast? Biryani—cooked in giant pots, with workers pooling money for ingredients. The scent of basmati rice, tender meat, and spices weaves nostalgia into the air. Alongside it, sweets like laddoos, jalebis, and barfis are shared—some shipped from India, others bought in Little India’s bustling shops. Crunchy samosas, pakoras, and murukku add festive flair.

Community Over Loneliness: Prayers, Diyas & Virtual Hugs

Without family, workers lean on each other. Makeshift shrines glow with diyas (oil lamps), while WhatsApp calls bridge continents. Volunteers amplify the joy:

• Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) and ItsRainingRaincoats host events, distributing sweets and gifts.
• “Their smiles are priceless—it’s about feeling seen,” says volunteer Dipika Gupta.

Bittersweet Celebrations: Resilience Far From Home

Diwali abroad comes with sacrifices. Many can’t afford travel; some miss kids lighting fireworks or wives cooking gajar ka halwa. Yet, as Mohan Singh (a Punjabi shipyard worker) says, “We make the best of what we have.”

Diwali’s True Light: Togetherness Against All Odds

These celebrations are a lesson in resilience. Amid Singapore’s skyscrapers, migrant workers prove Diwali’s light shines brightest when shared—a beacon of hope, culture, and unbreakable spirit.

— NextMinuteNews