More than 500 migrant workers, mainly from India, enjoyed an afternoon of celebration at the Flower Field Hall in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, against the backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline and waterfront. Sunday’s event included cultural performances, games and a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. As part of the Diwali festivities, some workers also wrote messages and wishes on postcards to be sent to their families back home.
The event, which was attended by Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash, was organized by the Ministry of Manpower’s ACE Group and the Indian Institute of Management Alumni Singapore, The Straits Times reported.
Dinesh noted that as Singapore marks 60 years of independence in 2025, celebrating Deepavali with migrant workers is a meaningful way to recognize their contribution to the nation’s growth. “We also know that being away from home is not easy… That’s why we are here to celebrate together and to reassure you that even though you may be far from home, you are not alone in Singapore,” The Straits Times quoted Dinesh as saying.
‘You Are Not Forgotten’
Meanwhile, on Monday, the holiday of Diwali, Krishna’s Free Meals in the Little India precinct prepared meals for more than 5,000 migrant workers, the Straits Times reported.
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Now in its fifth year, the fiesta has seen an annual increase in attendance, with 5,100 in 2024. This year, attendees will be treated to hot briyani and receive care packages filled with items such as sweets, snacks and a bottle of water. Minister Dinesh is also set to attend Monday’s event and help hand over care packages to migrant workers.
“You are not forgotten,” reads the headline of a Singapore daily article about the Free Meals Soup Kitchen Krsna in Little India, which is hosting a Deepavali celebration for migrant workers on Monday.
Established in 2018, Krishna’s Free Meals offers daily free meals to migrant workers and others in the Little India precinct, starting as early as 5:45 in the morning. As part of their Deepavali event, they will be giving out food and care packages to show gratitude to migrant workers.
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More than 5,000 migrant workers are expected to take part in an open-air event on Hindoo Road on Monday, according to a major newspaper report.
Run by Latha Govindasamy and her family, the soup kitchen uses quality ingredients, relies on volunteers and receives public funding to support its efforts. Led by Latha, her two sisters and their husbands, the initiative aims to serve daily breakfast, lunch and dinner to migrant workers in the area.
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While there are organizations that help these workers with health issues or disputes with employers, Latha felt that there is a lack of available food options for them on a daily basis.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong wished everyone Diwali on X.
He said: “Light over darkness. Hope over fear. As we count down to Deepavali, we celebrate not only the lights that fill our homes, but the meaning they carry in our hearts. We wish everyone a bright and meaningful Festival of Lights ahead.”
