SEASONINGS Magazine is an independent quarterly publication that celebrates diversity in Singapore through the lens of food and culture.
In the past, it was commonplace for Singaporeans to invite friends into their houses to share food, exchange recipes, and celebrate festivals together, regardless of race or religion. These rich cultural exchanges have now become a rarity – we live alongside one another, but do we really know our neighbours?
SEASONINGS Magazine explores the ways in which food is not only an expression of our identity, but can also bring us together and establish common ground. Through recipes, stories, and deep-dives, we hope that you will feel a sense of interconnectedness and be inspired to venture outside of your comfort zone.
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THE DEEPAVALI EDITION
03 – NOVEMBER 2021
‘Deepavali’ is derived from the words ‘deepa’ and ‘avali’ which mean ‘light’ and ‘row’ respectively. It alludes to the lines of lamps that would be lit in celebration by the Sikhs, Jains, Hindus, and some Buddhists, an annual affirmation of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
While the festivities are an exuberant, outward expression of joy, there are also more solemn moments during Deepavali, Diwali, or Tihar celebrations, that invite one to introspect and strive towards an inner light. In the five days of the festival, ancestors are remembered, personal convictions are strengthened, and family and the wider community are knitted more closely together through the sharing of food and partaking of rituals.
In this third edition, we are pleased to share a collection of written and narrated stories, exploring themes ranging from belonging and identity, to longing and loving. Just like the community that commemorates this festival, the recipes in this issue can be traced to diverse parts of India, demonstrating just how vast an array celebration food this time of the year is. We hope that reading, listening, and cooking through this issue will give you a glimpse of how rich this festival culture is and whets your appetite for more.
