What is Deepavali
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is primarily a Hindu festival of lights, signifying the triumph 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, stands as the central and most significant day of the festival. This day is predominantly linked with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, although the day is also associated with various other meaningful traditions.
On this sacred occasion, families engage in prayers while illuminating their homes with the warm glow of oil diyas and candles. Furthermore, they adorn their home with the artistry of Rangoli patterns using stones, rice flour, sands, and powders artistically drawn on the floors. This creative endeavor seeks to invite blessings and good fortune into one’s home and life.
When is Deepavali 2023 in Singapore
In 2023, Deepavali in Singapore falls on 12 November 2023 (Sunday), the Lakshmi Puja day. As the date falls on a non-working day, the following Monday, 13 November 2023, has been gazetted as a public holiday in the country.
How to celebrate Deepavali 2023 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 predominantly occupied by authentic Indian restaurants and shops selling a wide variety of products from vegetables, milk, clothing, accessories to electronics from India.
Symbolic of the Festival of Lights, the streets along Serangoon Road in this neighborhood are lit with colourful display of lights every evening between 30 September and 3 December 2023 from 6:30pm till around midnight.
During this time of year, families with kids, couples, friends, locals, expats, tourists, and individuals from various ethnic backgrounds such as Indians, Chinese, Malays, and others frequently make their way to Little India. The common activities include shopping, dining, praying at the temple, or simply basking in the festive atmosphere.
Listed below are some fantastic activities that you can enjoy with your family, friends, and loved ones during Deepavali 2023:
Deepavali Open House 2023 @ Indian Heritage Centre
Kickstart your Deepavali visit by exploring the air-conditioned Indian Heritage Centre! This unique museum showcases Indian history, culture and heritage in Singapore. Admission to the centre is free for Singaporeans and PRs, while certain activities are ticketed and charged separately.
As part of the Deepavali festivities, the centre has thoughtfully curated a range of family-oriented activities. These encompass an array of experiences, from food tasting, fashion workshops, to craft making and cultural performances.
In addition to visiting the permanent gallery featuring “Indians in Singapore: Past & Present”, visitors to the museum between 14 October and 12 November 2023 can choose to join in the following ticketed and free activities:
| Activity / Ticket Price | Date | Time |
| Hyderabad Mock Meat Briyani – SGD 15 / person | 14 Oct | 2:00pm – 4:00pm |
| Kids Ladoo Making & Storytelling – SGD 10 / person | 14 Oct | 11:00am – 12:00pm |
| Food Trail in Little India – SGD 15 / person | 14 Oct | 11:00am – 12:30pm |
| Thosai & Chutney Cooking Demo – SGD 15 / person | 15 Oct | 11:00am – 1:00pm |
| Murukku Mayhem Cooking Workshop – SGD 15 / person | 15 Oct | 12:30pm – 2:30pm |
| South Indian Jewellery Painting Workshop – SGD 20 / person | 21 & 22 Oct | 1:00pm – 3:00pm |
| Indian Fashion & Saree Draping Masterclass – SGD 20 / person | 21 Oct | 11:00am – 2:00pm |
| Henna Artistry Workshop – SGD 20 / person | 22 Oct | 11:00am – 1:30pm |
| Activity / Ticket Price | Date | Time |
| Tanjore Art Workshop – SGD 25 / person | 28 & 29 Oct | 1:00pm – 4:00pm |
| Kala Sangam – SGD 20 / person | 26 – 28 Oct 29 Oct | 3:00pm – 4:30pm 2:00pm – 3:30pm |
| Candle Light Cultural Performances in Gallery – Free | 4 & 5 Nov | 11:00am, 2:00pm & 4:00pm |
| Dramatized Gallery Tour – SGD 10 / person | 4 & 5 Nov | 10:00am – 11:00am |
| Peacocks Around Little India Storytelling – SGD 10 / person | 4 Nov | 11:00am – 12:00pm |
| Tapestries of Krishna / Pichwai Painting Workshop – SGD 20 / person | 4 & 5 Nov | 1:00pm – 3:00pm |
Deepavali Street Shows, Workshops, Games & Activities in Little India
The Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LiSHA) has organised a host of family-friendly activities from bazaars, workshops, treasure hunts, tours, shows, cooking demos and competitions from 25 September to 19 November 2023 in the area.
Consider bringing your kids down to the area for a weekend of fun and exploration! The following is the schedule of events for the upcoming activities in the area:
| Activity | Date | Time |
| Deepavali Food Bazaar [Poli @ Clive Street] | 25 Sep – 11 Nov | 2:00pm – 10:00pm |
| Deepavali Light-up Ceremony [Birch Road] | 30 Sep | 6:30pm – 9:30pm |
| Rangoli / Kolam Workshop [Tekka Place Rooftop] | 7 Oct | 11:00am – 12:00pm |
| Treasure Hunt [Campbell Lane] – Register (Free) | 14 Oct & 28 Oct | 10:00am – 12:00pm |
| Activity | Date | Time |
| Deepavali Mascot [Serangoon Road] | 14 & 28 Oct 4 & 11 Nov | 2:00pm – 5:00pm |
| Big Bus Tour [Serangoon Road] – Register (S$8/person) | 20 & 27 Oct 3 & 10 Nov | 7:00pm – 8:00pm 8:00pm – 9:00pm |
| Flower Tying & Decoration Workshop [Tekka Place Rooftop] | 21 Oct | 11:00am – 12:00pm |
| Fashion Show [Beside Indian Heritage Centre] | 21 Oct | 6:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Deepavali Street Show [Beside Indian Heritage Centre] | 27 Oct | 6:30pm – 8:00pm |
| Live Cooking Demo [Tekka Place] | 4 Nov | 4:00pm – 5:00pm |
| Migrant Workers Competition [Birch Road] | 19 Nov | 10:00am – 1:00pm |
Deepavali Festive Shopping in Little India
Apart from shopping at the popular Mustafa departmental store and hundreds of retail outlets at the shophouses along the streets in Little India, two pop-up Deepavali bazaars have been set-up.
These Diwali bazaars beckon with an array of offerings, from delectable cooked food, festive goodies, traditional cookies and sweets to traditional attire, household essentials, and so much more.
- Campbell Lane
- Event Name: Deepavali Festival Village
- Operating Dates: 30 September – 11 November 2023
- Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm (extended to 1:00am on 10 & 11 November 2023)
- Venue: Beside Indian Heritage Centre [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (DT12|NE7) Little India
- Birch Road
- Event Name: Little India Deepavali Fair
- Operating Dates: 14 October – 12 November 2023
- Opening Hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Venue: Open field opposite Centrium Square [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (NE8) Farrer Park
- Note: There are less than 10 food stalls at this fair.
Deepavali Prayers at Hindu Temples in Little India
Hindu devotees in Singapore typically flock to the temples in the morning of Deepavali with their families to perform prayers and rituals led by the priests.
Here’s a list of prominent Hindu temples in Little India that you may 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, the premier performing arts centre in Singapore, will be holding a 10-day Indian arts festival in commemoration of Deepavali from 17 – 26 November 2023. Visitors to Esplanade during this period can look forward to over 30 paid and free concerts, music performances, dances, theatric shows, workshops, and activities by local and international artistes and organisations. This event is sponsored by the High Commission of India, Singapore.
If you happen to be in Little India, consider heading down to the arts centre just 16-minute bus ride away from Little India MRT station.
Going to the Istana Open House
The Istana is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. Foreign dignitaries, presidents, prime minsters, ministers and politicians call on the President at this venue when they make an official visit to Singapore.
But for five days in a year, the Istana is open to public to celebrate five special occassions that are dear to Singaporeans: Chinese New Year, Labour Day, Hari Raya Puasa, National Day and Deepavali. The president will be hosting these events and meet with the Singaporeans, residents and foreign guests in the compound.
Cultural and music performances, site tours, hands-on workshops and a mini food fair would also be held to entertain visitors during these joyous times. For Deepavali 2023, the Istana Open House will take place on 12 November 2023 (Sunday).
