What is Deepavali
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a Hindu festival of lights that symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Traditionally observed during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin and Kartika, the celebration spans over five days. These include Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdasi or Chok Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja or Padva, and Bhai Dooj.
The third day, Lakshmi Puja, is the most significant of the festival. It is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, though it also encompasses various other meaningful traditions.
On this sacred occasion, families perform prayers and illuminate their homes with the warm glow of oil diyas and candles. They also decorate their homes with Rangoli patterns – intricate designs created with stones, rice flour, sand and coloured powders – on the floors. These artistic displays are meant to invite blessings and good fortune into their homes and lives.
When is Deepavali 2024 in Singapore
In 2024, Deepavali in Singapore will be celebrated on 31 October 2024 (Thursday), the Lakshmi Puja day. This day is an official public holiday in Singapore.
How to celebrate Deepavali 2024 in Singapore & things to do during Deepavali
Deepavali celebrations in Singapore are never complete without a visit to the world renowned Little India.
This precinct is home to a variety of authentic Indian restaurants and shops offering everything from vegetables and milk to clothing, accessories, and electronics imported from India.
In keeping with the Festival of Lights, the streets along Serangoon Road are adorned with colorful displays of lights each evening from 14 September 2024 (Saturday) to 17 November 2024 (Sunday), illuminating the area from 6:30pm until midnight.
During this time of year, Little India attracts a diverse crowd, including families with children, couples, friends, locals, expats and tourists from various ethnic backgrounds such as Indians, Chinese, Malays and others. Common activities include shopping, dining, visiting temples and immersing oneself in the festive atmosphere.
Here are some fantastic activities that you can enjoy with your family, friends, and loved ones during Deepavali 2024:
- Visit the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) Museum
- Attend workshops, watch street shows, participate in games & activities
- Festive shopping at two mega bazaars in the area
- Pray at the Hindu temples in Little India
- Attend Kalaa – Utsavam Indian Festival of Arts
- Go to the Istana Open House
- Participate in family-friendly activities at Singapore Sports Hub
Deepavali Open House 2024 @ Indian Heritage Centre
Start your Deepavali visit by exploring the air-conditioned Indian Heritage Centre! This unique museum showcases Indian history, culture and heritage in Singapore.
As part of the Deepavali festivities, the centre will host the “Deepavali Carnival Open House” on four weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 5 – 27 October 2024. The event features a diverse range of family-friendly activities, including carnival games, arts and crafts workshops, parrot astrology, bus tours of Little India, cooking demonstrations, storytelling sessions and cultural performances.
Enjoy free admission to the museum along with giveaways such as Deepavali money packets, henna, and tea-time snacks, available throughout the celebration.
Note: An admission fee applies to non-Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (PRs) on weekdays during this period.
Event Highlights (Schedule)
The following are the highlights of the open house activities, all of which are free to attend:
- (10:00am – 5:00pm) Free IHC Limited Edition Money Packets
- (10:00am – 5:00pm) Postcard Crafting Activity
- (10:00am – 5:00pm) Dress-up Photobooth with Free Print-outs
- (10:30pm – 11:30am) Live Cultural Performance (Outdoor)
- (11:00am – 12:00pm) Free Museum Guided Tour
- (12:00pm – 1:30pm) Free Henna
- (2:00pm – 4:00pm) Free Parrot Astrology Fortune Telling (Limited Readings Daily)
- (2:00pm – 3:00pm) Free Museum Guided Tour
- (2:00pm – 3:00pm) Live Cultural Performance (Outdoor)
- (3:00pm) Live Gallery Performances (Indoor)
- (3:00pm – 4:00pm) Free Tea Time Snacks – Curry & Jaggery Popcorn, Murukku, Masala Chai, Rose Syrup
- Venue: Indian Heritage Centre [Map]
- Dates:
- 5 – 6 October 2024 (Saturday – Sunday)
- 12 – 13 October 2024 (Saturday – Sunday)
- 19 – 20 October 2024 (Saturday – Sunday)
- 26 – 27 October 2024 (Saturday – Sunday)
- Time: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (DT12|NE7) Little India
- Admission Fee: Free (Walk-in)
Deepavali Street Shows, Workshops, Games & Activities in Little India
The Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LiSHA) has organised a range of activities this festive season, including a bazaar, treasure hunts, Deepavali workshops, live cooking demonstrations and competitions for migrant workers, running from 14 September – 3 November 2024.
Visit Little India with your friends and family for a weekend of fun and exploration! Here’s the schedule of upcoming events:
| Activity | Date | Time |
| Deepavali Light-up Ceremony @ Birch Road (Opposite Centrium Square) [Map] | 14 Sep 2024 (Sat) | 6:30pm – 9:30pm |
| Deepavali Mascot @ Serangoon Road [Map] | 5, 12 & 19 Oct 2024 (Sat) | 4:00pm – 5:00pm |
| 28 Sep & 12 Oct 2024 (Sat) | 10:00am – 12:00pm | |
| 5 Oct 2024 (Sat) | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | |
4, 11, 18 Oct 2024 (Fri) 21, 22, 23, 24 & 25 Oct 2024 (Mon – Fri) | 6:45pm – 7:30pm & 7:45pm – 8:30pm |
| Activity | Date | Time |
| 19 Oct 2024 (Sat) | 4:00pm – 5:00pm | |
| 26 Oct 2024 (Sat) |
10:00am – 11:00pm & 11:00am – 12:00pm |
|
| 26 Oct 2024 (Sat) |
2:00pm – 3:00pm & 3:00pm – 4:00pm |
|
| Migrant Workers Competition @ Campbell Lane [Map] | 3 Nov 2024 (Sun) | 10:00am – 12:00pm |
Deepavali Festive Shopping in Little India
Along with shopping at the well-known 24-hour Mustafa departmental store and discovering the various vendors and retail outlets in the shophouses of Little India, visitors can also shop at two pop-up Deepavali bazaars this season.
These lively Diwali bazaars offer a delightful selection of items, including tasty cooked food, festive treats, traditional cookies, snacks and sweets, as well as traditional costumes, flowers, household essentials and more.
- Campbell Lane
- Event Name: Deepavali Festival Village
- Operating Dates: 14 September – 30 October 2024 (Saturday – Wednesday)
- Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Venue: Campell Lane / Beside Indian Heritage Centre [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (DT12|NE7) Little India
- Note: This fair primarily features Deepavali essentials.
- Birch Road
- Event Name: Little India Deepavali Fair
- Operating Dates: 2 – 31 October 2024
- Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
- Venue: Open field opposite Centrium Square [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (NE8) Farrer Park
- Note: This is a bazaar organised by one of Singapore’s leading pasar malam (night markets) organisers.
Deepavali Prayers at Hindu Temples in Little India
Hindu devotees in Singapore often gather at the temples with their families on the morning of Deepavali to participate in prayers and rituals conducted by the priests.
Here’s a list of prominent Hindu temples in Little India that you can visit this Deepavali:
- Siddh Peeth Shree Lakshminarayan Temple
- Main Deities: Lakshmi, Narayan (Vishnu)
- Opening Hours: 6:00am – 12:00pm | 4:00pm – 9:30pm
- Address: 5 Chander Road, Singapore 219528 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (DT12|NE7) Little India
- Note: This is Singapore’s first North Indian Hindu temple
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
- Main Deities: Kali, Parvati
- Opening Hours: 5:30am – 12:00pm | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
- Address: 141 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218042 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (DT12|NE7) Little India
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
- Main Deity: Perumal (Vishnu)
- Opening Hours: 5:30am – 12:00pm | 5:30pm – 9:00pm
- Address: 397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (NE8) Farrer Park
- Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple
- Main Deities: Vinayakar (Ganesha), Murugan (Kartikeya) and Ambal (Ambigai, Shakthi or Devi)
- Opening Hours: 7:30am – 11:30am | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
- Address: 555 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218174 [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (NE8) Farrer Park
Attend Kalaa Utsavan - Indian Festival of Arts
Esplanade, Singapore’s premier performing arts center, will host a 10-day festival called “Kalaa Utsavam” in celebration of Deepavali from 15 – 24 November 2024.
During this period, visitors can look forward to 19 exciting ticketed activities, including film screenings, concerts, music performances, dance showcases, storytelling sessions, stand-up comedy, puppet shows, lectures, workshops and more, featuring local and international artists and organisations.
If you find yourself in Little India, consider making the short 16-minute bus ride to the arts center!
- Venue: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore [Map]
- Dates: 15 – 24 November 2024 (Friday – Sunday)
- Nearest MRT station: (CC4|DT15) Promenade
- Admission Fee: From S$15 per person (Ticketed)
Go to the Istana Open House
The Istana serves as the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. It is the venue where foreign dignitaries, presidents, prime ministers, ministers and politicians meet with the President during official visits to Singapore.
However, for five days each year, the Istana opens its doors to the public to celebrate five significant occasions cherished by Singaporeans: Chinese New Year, Labour Day, Hari Raya Puasa, National Day and Deepavali. During these events, the President hosts gatherings, welcoming Singaporeans, residents and foreign guests to the grounds.
Visitors can enjoy cultural and musical performances, guided tours, hands-on workshops and a mini food fair to enhance their experience during these festive celebrations.
- Venue: The Istana, Orchard Road [Map]
- Dates: 20 October 2024 (Sunday)
- Time: 8:30am – 6:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (CC1|NE6|NS24) Dhoby Ghaut
- Admission Fee: From S$0 – S$20 per person (Ticketed)
Participate in family-friendly activities at Singapore Sports Hub
The Singapore Sports Hub along the Kallang River will host family-friendly Deepavali celebrations on the Saturday after the festival. Activities include hands-on Rangoli sand art decoration for all ages, a coloring session for children and a Bollywood-inspired dance workout.
Experience a weekend filled with fun and Indian traditions! Plus, be sure to schedule some family workouts at Singapore’s premier sporting centre to burn off those festive feast calories!
- Venue: The Lawn (Near Fun Toast) at Kallang Wave Mall, Singapore Sports Hub [Map]
- Dates: 2 November 2024 (Saturday)
- Time: 11:00am – 8:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (CC6) Stadium
- Admission Fee: Free (Walk-in)
