Feasts, festive events, dazzling lights and historic temples. This is how we're celebrating Deepavali 2023 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 12 November 2023 (13 November will be a public holiday). 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. 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. The light-up will go on from now till 13 November 2023, 7pm to midnight daily. You seriously can’t miss it – time to plan an evening stroll!
2. Eat your fill at the Deepavali Food Bazaar
You’ll want to visit on an empty stomach, because it’s flavour town all around from now till 13 November at Poli@Clive Street. From 2pm to 10pm each day, the Deepavali Food Bazaar sells all sorts of authentic Indian snacks and dishes including biryani and murukku. Tuck into a feast and celebrate the festive season!
3. Shop your heart out at the Festival Village
Shopaholics, here’s where you’ll gather. Running from now till 9 November, 10am to 10pm, as well as 10 and 11 November, 10am to 1am, 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.
4. Watch cultural performances in Little India
Curated by Vasantham for Deepavali, the street show features mesmerising songs and dances for the festivities. Just head over to the Indian Heritage Centre on 27 October, 6.30pm to 8pm, where the performances will take place right outside the building.
5. 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 28 October, 10am to 12pm, at Campbell Lane.
6. 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 12 November. Food is the theme of the first weekend, with cooking demonstrations, a food trail in Little India, and a hands-on ladoo-making and storytelling session for the kids.
For the second weekend, fashion takes the spotlight with a South Indian jewellery painting workshop and an Indian fashion and saree draping masterclass. Next up, the arts. Enjoy candlelight cultural performances and workshops that teach you Indian artistic traditions.
Mythology is the highlight of the fourth weekend, with an immersive experience and gallery tour telling the love story of Hindu god Krishna and goddess Radha. Finally, celebrate the day of Deepavali by exploring the beautiful neighbourhood of Little India. If you’re keen, register for any of the programmes online.
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 feet-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!