Diwali is that time of the year when the family celebrates together by sharing sweets and gifts, bursting crackers and performing pujas. For an intrepid lot, however, the festival means a vacation on different shores, celebrating a different kind of Diwali.
This Diwali, many Indian tourists are venturing out to Singapore and Thailand, destinations which have a large Indian population, to explore the festival of lights there.
In fact, Singapore declares a public holiday during this period. In Thailand, the festival is called Lam Kriyongh and is celebrated with much fanfare.
In fact, tour operators are cashing in on this trend and offering special Singapore and Thailand Diwali packages.
“Diwali is a wonderful time to be in Singapore as the streets of Little India are lit up and the queues outside the temples are enormous,” said Subhash Goyal, chairman of STIC Travels and president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators.
“A lot of Indians are coming here for Diwali as many of us love a big celebration and that’s what Singapore offers,” Mr. Goyal said.
“In fact, I am in Singapore with my family at present to celebrate the festive season,” he added.
“We are witnessing a growing interest for international destinations during Diwali. As Indian travellers turn experimental, they increasingly want to experience the festival in new locales, like Singapore and Thailand, which has a huge Indian population that celebrates Diwali,” said Manmeet Ahluwalia, marketing head of travel portal Expedia (India).
“There is also another trend of escaping the noise and air pollution, as well as the hassle of buying gifts and going around the city amid traffic to deliver these. Travellers are planning to wisely spend the amount of money spent on gifts to plan a holiday with family and friends. We have seen the family segment with young kids and groups of friends using the festive time as an opportunity for reunions, or getting away for a quick break and celebrating Diwali in a new destination,” Mr. Ahluwalia said.
“Most people want to be in India during Diwali to be with family and perform Lakshmi Puja, but there are many who are travelling helped by the good package deals available,” said Anil Kalsi, a member of the Travel Agents Association of India.
many Indian tourists are venturing out
to Singapore and Thailand, destinations which have a large Indian population, to explore the festival of lights there
