With Deepavali coming, is it too early for Xmas decor in Orchard?

Christmas is about two months away but the reindeer have already arrived on Orchard Road.

Given that the spirit of Deepavali is in full swing in the run-up to the Hindu festival this Saturday, some have questioned whether it was a good idea to put up Christmas decorations so early.

While it is not the first time such decorations are installed early on Orchard Road, retailers there said this year could be the earliest yet.

In a letter to The Straits Times forum page, reader Vimalan Sivasubramaniam said he was surprised to see Christmas decorations up along Tanglin Road, while there were few signs or banners outside Little India to indicate that it is now Deepavali season.

On Facebook, some say the decor for Christmas, traditionally celebrated by Christians, could have waited till at least the end of the month.

Producer Manju Balakrishnan, 37, told The Straits Times she noticed that Christmas has been taking precedence over Deepavali.

"We are not asking for Indian decor to be put up at Orchard Road, but Deepavali is such a big festival, they could have waited till it was over," she said.

Still, Christmas motifs like stars and reindeer might have gone up on Orchard Road but they have yet to be lit. The Orchard Road Business Association said more information on the light-up of Christmas decorations will be released today.

The Christmas light-up along Orchard Road usually takes place in mid-November and lasts until early January.

Others noted that Christmas is celebrated too by non-Christians who enjoy gift exchanges and the happy atmosphere intertwined with the start of a new year.

But Jessica Jaganathan, 36, an energy journalist who is Indian by race and Christian by religion, said: "Putting up Christmas decorations and playing Christmas songs in October is simply ridiculous, no matter how commercialised the holiday."

The Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association secretariat, which organises the Deepavali light-up, said it is common for the decorations for the two festivals to overlap. Creating a festive atmosphere for the two celebrations back-to-back allows Singapore to draw more visitors, it added.

Read also:
- Indian media praise Singapore's first-ever Deepavali-themed NEL train
- Retailers roll out attractive offers for Deepavali
- Deepavali treats with a twist
- Deepavali goods get creative
- What to do, where to go to soak in Deepavali festivities

jalmsab@sph.com.sg

Get MyPaper for more stories.