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 2026 in Singapore
In 2026, Deepavali in Singapore will be celebrated on 8 November 2026 (Sunday), the Lakshmi Puja day. This day is an official public holiday in Singapore.
How to celebrate Deepavali 2026 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 3 October 2026 (Saturday) to 29 November 2026 (Sunday), illuminating the area from 7pm 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 2026:
- 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 organised by PA
Deepavali Open House 2026 @ 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 Open House” over four weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from 17 October – 8 November 2026. This event promises a wide range of family-friendly activities, including hands-on craft sessions, immersive workshops, captivating live cultural performances, thematic guided tours, and a lively festive bazaar, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Take advantage of free admission to the museum and enjoy a variety of delightful giveaways, including traditional Deepavali money packets, children’s activity, all available throughout the celebration.
Event Highlights (Schedule)
Here are the highlights of the Deepavali Open House activities, all free to attend:
| Activity | Date | Time |
| Free Museum Tour | 17, 24, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat) 7 Nov 2026 (Sat) | 7:00pm |
Saturday Night Performances | 17, 24, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat) | 6:00pm – 7:00pm |
Money Packet Redemption | 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat & Sun) 1, 7, 8 Nov 2026 (Sat & Sun) | 10:00am – 5:00pm |
Weekend Bazaar | 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat & Sun) 1, 7, 8 Nov 2026 (Sat & Sun) | 10:00am – 7:00pm (Sat) 10:00am – 5:00pm (Sun) |
Live Performances | 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat & Sun) 1, 7, 8 Nov 2026 (Sat & Sun) | 11:00am – 6:00pm |
DIY Mini Mithai Box | 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat & Sun) 1, 7, 8 Nov 2026 (Sat & Sun) | 10:00am – 7:00pm (Sat) 10:00am – 5:00pm (Sun) |
Clay Brooch Painting | 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat & Sun) 1, 7, 8 Nov 2026 (Sat & Sun) | 10:00am – 7:00pm (Sat) 10:00am – 5:00pm (Sun) |
Heirloom Saree Corner & Photobooth | 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat & Sun) 1, 7, 8 Nov 2026 (Sat & Sun) | 10:00am – 5:00pm
|
Children’s Activities | 17 Oct 2026 (Sat) – 8 Nov 2026 (Sun) | 10:00am – 5:00pm (Craft activities – Only Weekdays) |
- Venue: Indian Heritage Centre [Map]
- Dates: 17 October – 8 November 2026
- Time: Varies by activity
- Nearest MRT station: (DT12|NE7) Little India
- Admission Fee: Free (Walk-in)
- Certain programmes such as the Deepavali Cooking Demo with Chef Devagi / Chef Dhershinithe and Miniature Art Painting are held on selected weekend only and require prior registration.
Deepavali Street Shows, Workshops, Games & Activities in Little India
The Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LiSHA) has organised a variety of activities this festive season, including bus tours, workshops, and live cooking demonstrations, running from 3 October – 28 November 2026.
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 [Map] | 3 Oct 2026 (Sat) | 7:00pm |
|
10, 17, 24, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat) 1 Nov 2026 (Sun) 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov 2026 (Sat) |
7:00pm & 8:00pm (Sat) 6:00pm & 7:00pm (Sun) |
| Activity | Date | Time |
| 10 & 24 Oct 2026 (Sat) | 10:00am – 1:00pm | |
| 10 Oct 2026 (Sat) – 8 Nov 2026 (Sun) | 7:00pm | |
| 17, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat) | 10:00am – 1:00pm | |
| 17, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat) | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | |
| 17, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat) | 8:00pm – 10:00pm |
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: 10 October – 8 November 2026 (Saturday – Sunday)
- Opening Hours: 7:00pm – 12:00am
- Venue: Campell Lane / Beside Indian Heritage Centre [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (DT12|NE7) Little India
- Note: This fair primarily features Deepavali essentials.
- Birch Road / Serangoon Road
- Event Name: Little India Deepavali Fair
- Operating Dates: 10 October – 8 November 2026 (Saturday – Sunday)
- Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
- Venue: Open field opposite Centrium Square [Map]
- Nearest MRT station: (NE8) Farrer Park
- Notes: This large-scale festive bazaar features a wide variety of festive goods and apparel, along with few food stalls.
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 – 9:00pm
- 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 | 4:00pm – 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: 6:00am – 12:00pm | 6:00pm – 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 Utsavam - 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 20 – 29 November 2026.
During this period, visitors can look forward to various exciting ticketed activities, including film screenings, concerts, music performances, dance showcases, storytelling sessions, stand-up comedy, 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: 20 – 29 November 2026 (Friday – Sunday)
- Nearest MRT station: (CC4|DT15) Promenade
- Admission Fee: From S$20 per person (Ticketed). SG Culture Pass can be used for certain activities.
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: 1 November 2026 (Sunday)
- Time: 8:30am – 6:00pm
- Nearest MRT station: (CC1|NE6|NS24) Dhoby Ghaut
Participate in family-friendly activities organised by People's Association
A variety of family-friendly Deepavali celebrations organised by The People’s Association will take place in November. Highlights include buffet dinners, games, dance performances, competitions and more, promising an enjoyable experience filled with festive fun and rich Indian traditions.
| Activity | Date | Time |
Shining Together in the Light of Deepavali
| 14 Nov 2026 (Sat) | 6:00pm – 9:30pm |
| 14 Nov 2026 (Sat) | 5:00pm – 9:00pm |
Bukit Gombak Deepavali Celebration 2026
| 14 Nov 2026 (Sat) | 6:00pm – 9:30pm |
Punggol 21 CC IAEC – Kuthoogala Deepavali 2026
| 14 Nov 2026 (Sat) | 6:30pm – 9:30pm |
Marsiling Deeparaagam Open House 2026
| 21 Nov 2026 (Sat) | 7:00pm – 10:00pm |
