Feasts, festive events, dazzling lights and historic temples. This is how we're celebrating Deepavali 2024 in Singapore!
In case you haven’t noticed the lights along Serangoon Road, it’s Deepavali in Singapore! The Festival of Lights falls on the 15th day of Kartika, which is the holiest month in the Hindu calendar. This year, it’s celebrated on 31 October 2024. You can expect gorgeous lights, beautiful rangoli decorations to bring good luck, mouth-watering Indian cuisine and fun events. Little India is the epicentre of the celebrations, of course. Here’s how to get into the spirit of Deepavali in Singapore.
How to celebrate Deepavali in Singapore
1. Check out exciting activities at the Deepavali Open House
The Festival of Lights has landed at the Indian Heritage Centre, with loads of celebrations from now till 27 October. This year, it’s following a vibrant carnival theme where you can revel in all the fun-filled activities and happenings. During the celebration, entry to the museum is free for all on weekends with complimentary fun and games for the kiddos.
If you’d like to do something extra special, be sure to check out the Indian Heritage Centre’s page for a list of ticketed activities that sell extra fast. Some highlights to look out for include the Little India Big Bus tours, cooking demos with Masterchefs, and floral arrangement workshops!
2. Flower tying and rangoli workshops
You can thank the team behind Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Society (LISHA) for bringing colour into our list of Deepavali activities. On 26 October, delve into the world of floral artistry with a flower tying workshop, learning how to string up jasmine and marigold flowers into gorgeous garlands.
If that doesn’t pique your interest, you can give the rangoli workshop a try. Talented Kolam artists will be on-site to give you step-by-step instructions on how to create your masterpiece. Fun and stress-free!
3. Admire the colourful lights at Little India
Every year, Little India turns it on for Deepavali with its eye-popping light-up. Just when you think the street lights can’t get any more dazzling, out come massive peacocks, lotus flowers and oil lamps beautifying Serangoon Road and Race Course Road. You seriously can’t miss it – time to plan an evening stroll!
4. Shop your heart out at the Festival Village
Shopaholics, here’s where you’ll gather. Running from now till 30 October 2024, the Deepavali Festival Village is cultural vibrance at its finest. Head to Campbell Lane to stroll through stalls hawking traditional Indian clothes, snacks, handicrafts and decor. Plus, there’ll be music and dance displays that offer a nod to Indian heritage.
5. Watch cultural performances in Little India
It’s not a festival without some vibrant and energetic performances! All you have to do is head down to the Indian Heritage Centre at either 10.30am or 2pm from now till 27 October to catch dances and musical performances.
6. Go on a treasure hunt adventure
If you love a good puzzle, grab your fam and traipse through the streets of Little India to pick out clues, discover intriguing facts about Indian culture, and stand a chance to win prizes. The treasure hunt takes place on 12 October, 10am to 12pm, at Campbell Lane.
7. Indulge in a festive meal at top Indian restaurants
Fire up your tastebuds at curry houses or North and South Indian restaurants doling out everything from mountains of biryani to traditional plates to modern innovations. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this is your chance to indulge! Check out our guide to iconic Indian sweets you can grab from Little India if you’re hooked. Alternatively, swirl a creative cocktail at an Indian-inspired bar.
8. Visit beautiful Hindu temples
The jewel of Little India’s crown is the awe-inspiring Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on Serangoon Road. It’s dedicated to Kali, the Hindu Goddess of power, and you can spend all day taking in the intricate details. This temple was established in 1855, making it one of the oldest religious sites in Singapore.
When in Chinatown, stop by Singapore’s biggest and oldest temple, Sri Mariamman on South Bridge Road. It’s famous for breathtaking painted ceilings and for hosting the Fire Walking Ceremony (Theemithi). In the East? Head to Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple on Ceylon Road. With its five-tiered, 68-foot-high golden tower, it’s one of Katong’s gems. It’s over 120 years old and has a unique musical pillar that produces different notes when tapped!
9. Go on a walking tour of Little India
Little India is just as colourful during the day (and on any day of the year). Sure, everyone knows about Tekka Market and Banana Leaf Apolo, and it’s a rite of passage to get lost in Mustafa at least once in your lifetime. But if you want inside stories on the heritage ‘hood and tips on where to pick up masala dabba or copper kitchenware for a steal, our hot tip is to join a walking tour. You’ll discover everything from the best eyebrow threading spots to Tekka’s finest biryani stalls.
Go forth and celebrate Deepavali in Singapore. It’s gonna be lit!
