Celebrating Diwali Away from Home: How Singapore Embraces Migrant Workers During the Festival of Lights

Street decorations illuminated Singapore as Diwali celebrations brought warmth to migrant workers far from home.

At the scenic Flower Field Hall in Gardens by the Bay, over 500 migrant workers, predominantly from India, enjoyed a festive afternoon alongside local volunteers against the backdrop of Singapore's iconic Marina Bay skyline.

The celebration featured cultural performances, engaging games, and a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Many workers penned heartfelt messages on postcards destined for their families back in India, bridging the distance between them and their loved ones.

Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash attended the event, which was collaboratively organized by the Ministry of Manpower's Assurance, Care and Engagement Group (ACE) and the Indian Institute of Management Alumni Singapore, as reported by The Straits Times.

Speaking at the gathering, Minister Dinesh highlighted the significance of 2025 as Singapore's 60th independence anniversary. He emphasized that including migrant workers in Deepavali celebrations symbolized Singapore's recognition and gratitude for their invaluable contributions to the nation's growth and prosperity.

"We understand that being away from home isn't easy... We're here celebrating together to assure you that although you may be far from home, you're never alone in Singapore," Minister Dinesh stated, as quoted by The Straits Times.

In parallel, Krsna's Free Meals in Little India prepared to serve over 5,000 migrant workers during Monday's public holiday marking Diwali, according to The Straits Times.

The Singapore daily featured Krsna's Free Meals under the poignant headline "You are not forgotten," highlighting their dedication to supporting migrant workers during festive periods.

Established in 2018, Krsna's Free Meals provides complimentary daily meals to migrant workers and others in Little India, beginning operations as early as 5:45 am. Their Deepavali celebration includes food distribution and care packages as a gesture of appreciation toward migrant workers.

Monday's event at an open field on Hindoo Road expected to draw over 5,000 migrant workers, as reported by the broadsheet.

The soup kitchen, managed by Latha Govindasamy and her family, maintains high standards by using quality ingredients. It relies on volunteers and public funding to sustain its charitable operations.

The initiative—spearheaded by Latha, her two sisters, and their husbands—aims to provide three daily meals for migrant workers in the area.

Latha recognized that while organizations existed to assist workers with medical issues or employer disputes, affordable daily food options remained scarce.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the soup kitchen delivered food packets directly to migrant workers confined to their dormitories.

In 2023, Latha, 56, transitioned from her career as a private tutor to dedicate herself fully to the soup kitchen, now registered as a charity. A former secondary school teacher, she has overseen the distribution of approximately 5.5 million meals through Krsna's Free Meals, which now serves about 4,000 workers daily—a significant increase from the initial 80.

While the original intent was to provide completely free meals, Latha noted that many workers expressed a desire to contribute. A donation box now allows them to give a nominal sum of 50 Singapore cents or more.

"The donation gives them a sense of dignity that they are contributing to their food and paying it forward," Latha explained.

She observed that some workers contribute extra funds to cover meals for those without financial means.

This year marks the fifth annual fiesta, with attendance growing yearly—reaching 5,100 participants in 2024.

Attendees will enjoy freshly prepared biryani and receive care packages containing sweets, snacks, and a water bottle.

Minister Dinesh will participate in Monday's event, helping distribute care packages to the workers.

"Last year, we provided umbrellas after noticing workers using cardboard boxes for protection from rain. This year, we've chosen water bottles, aligning with sustainability principles," Latha shared.