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Indians constitute a major percentage of population in Singapore. Consequently, Indian festivals are celebrated there with a lot of vigor and gaiety. One of the most celebrated of Indian Festivals in Singapore is the Navarathri Festival. The literal meaning of 'Navarathri' is 'Nine lights' in Tamil. The Sri Thandayuthapani temple of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati in Singapore comes alive with music and dance during the Navarathri festival in Singapore. During the Singapore Navarathri Festival the three goddesses are worshipped for three continuous days and nights each. On the tenth day of the Festival of Navarathri, a silver glittering horse accompanied by the devotees and the worshippers who dress up in colorful traditional clothes come out with a vibrant procession. The temple, also called the Chettiar temple has a special altar area dedicated for Navarathri celebrations. There are beautiful evening prayers held at the temple. The celebrations of Navarathri also include classical Indian dance and musical performances in any of the Hindu temples of Singapore. The Navarathri Festival in Singapore also takes place in the other temples across the state. But the major celebrations take place at Sri Thandayuthapani Temple at Tank Road. Though the Navarathri Festival is held for nine days and nights, but the festive spirit lingers on long after the 10th day.
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