This is my favourite time of the year. Because it is festival time in Singapore which begins around October and ends in February. And if you have friends who celebrate the various cutural traditions then it is also party time and catching up with friends who one doesn’t see during the rest of the year.

Yes. It is my favourite time of the year. The festival season this year, began with Hari Raya Puasa ( the Malay-Muslim celebration at the end  of their annual fasting month), then there is Deepavali or Divali as the North Indians call it, my own festival, Christmas, followed by the Lunar New Year which usually comes at the end of the season of festivals.

From October to February , streets are decorated and lit, crowds flock and bazzars flurish as people of the various cultures get into the spirit of celebrations. I love it. I love the buzz. I love the lights. I love the crowds. I love the diversity. I love the colours and above all I love the sense of goodwill that  pemeates the air when people get into the celebratory mood.

I wander the streets of Lilltle India during the Deepavali Season, Arab Street or Geylang in the fasting month, Orchad Road during December and China Town during the Lunar New year Celebrations.

I am enchanted by these celebrations. It is the kind of delight that I experienced it best as a child but I am still open to and appreciate as I age.

Last week I turned 72 and October is delightful; no more than delightful - I am amazed - that I am alive, in good health, full of energy and blessed with the love of family and friends.

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