By V. Sivaji
The main atrium of Queensbay Mall has been transformed into a spectacular display of colour and light in celebration of Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights.
This year’s theme, “Radiance of Lights,” beautifully captures the essence of the festival—symbolising the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
For those unfamiliar, the word Deepavali originates from Sanskrit, where “Deepa” means light and “Avali” refers to a row—together signifying “a row of lights.” The festival holds deep spiritual significance in Hindu culture and is celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps, vibrant decorations and cultural festivities.
Drawing inspiration from the Konark Sun Temple, a 13th-century architectural marvel in Odisha, India, this year’s decor pays homage to one of India’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple, dedicated to Surya—the Sun God—is renowned for its intricate carvings, chariot-like structure, and deep-rooted symbolism of solar energy, which holds great reverence in Hinduism.
At the heart of the atrium stands an impressive installation featuring two life-sized elephants, golden lotus flowers, and a lush garden landscape, transporting visitors into a world of classical Indian elegance and spiritual grandeur. These elements echo the temple’s majesty while bringing a touch of Indian heritage to the mall’s vibrant setting.
To mark the launch of the festive display, shoppers and members of the media were treated to a captivating cultural showcase that included traditional Odissi dance performances—an ancient classical dance form from Odisha—as well as an energetic demonstration of Silambam, a traditional Indian martial art form.
Gracing the launch event were General Manager Peter Chan, newly appointed Centre Manager Sylvester Koh, and their dedicated team, who warmly welcomed guests and shoppers to partake in the celebrations.
In the lead-up to Deepavali, which falls on October 20, 2025, Queensbay Mall has lined up a series of engaging activities for families and their kids. Highlights include:
- Deepavali Rangoli Designing Competition – October 5, 2025: A colourful showcase of intricate rangoli artworks created using coloured powders, flower petals, and rice.
- Deepavali Card-Making Workshop – October 11, 2025: A hands-on session where children can express their creativity by crafting festive greeting cards.
These cultural showcases aim to foster community spirit while introducing the beauty of Deepavali traditions to all visitors, regardless of background.
Whether you’re looking to soak in the festive atmosphere, snap stunning photos, or participate in traditional activities, Queensbay Mall welcomes everyone to experience the splendour of colours, lights, and culture this Deepavali season!
