Here's all you need to know about this colourful festival that celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. It's Deepavali time in Singapore!
We love multicultural Singapore and all the festivals we get to celebrate. We’re excited to be celebrating Deepavali in Singapore very soon! Also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, Deepavali celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. During the festive season, the Little India neighbourhood comes alive with gorgeous colourful lights lining the streets and brightening up the dullest of nights.
When is Deepavali in Singapore in 2026?
First things first, this year, Deepavali is on Sunday, 8 November 2026! And yes, it’s a public holiday in Singapore. According to the Ministry of Manpower, Monday, 9 November 2026, will be a public holiday if your rest day falls on Sunday, 8 November.
Who celebrates Deepavali?
Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus worldwide. Jains and Sikhs also mark the occasion, although its religious significance and traditions differ between communities.
Note: There are Indian folks of various religious backgrounds who may not celebrate Deepavali, so do check if they’re celebrating before you wish them ‘Happy Deepavali’.
The legends behind Deepavali
Deepavali celebrations usually fall in October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. In many communities, festivities span five days, though traditions and timings vary. Each faith and region has its own stories behind the festival. One well-known Hindu legend tells of Lord Rama and his wife Sita returning to their kingdom after Rama defeated the demon king, Ravana, and completed a 14-year exile. According to the legend, earthen diyas (oil lamps) lit up Ayodhya in northern India to welcome home Lord Rama and his awesome wife and celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
For many South Indian Hindus, Deepavali marks Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Different stories, but the same joyful celebration of good overcoming evil!
How Deepavali is celebrated
Deepavali is a very colourful celebration. Houses are given a thorough spring clean and redecorated in the weeks before the festival. Doorways are bedecked with beautifully drawn rangoli or kolam: intricate patterns made from materials such as rice flour, coloured rice or flower petals. Oil lamps of every size are placed around the house to symbolise light overcoming darkness. In many Hindu households, prayers are also offered to Lakshmi – the goddess of wealth and prosperity – to encourage her blessings upon the household.
When it comes to Deepavali outfits, dull colours need not apply. The bolder and brighter the colours for Deepavali, the better! Hands and arms are often also decorated with henna. Don’t forget to dive into our guide to making easy Deepavali crafts to brighten up your home!
Deepavali is very much a community occasion. Offering prayers, visiting friends and family, and exchanging sweetmeats and gifts are all part of the celebrations. Big meals are a given, and delish delights traditionally served include gajar halwa (made with carrots, milk and sugar) and gulab jamun (soft, fried milk-based dough balls soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, often flavoured with cardamom or rose water).
How to join the Deepavali festivities in Singapore
While many celebrations take place in homes, Little India is the hub of the Deepavali festivities in Singapore. Experience the festive transformation of Little India’s bustling streets into a wonderland of colours, myriad twinkling lights, and larger-than-life decor.
Kid-friendly Deepavali events in Singapore
Visit the Indian Heritage Centre to learn more about Indian heritage and the traditions behind the festivities. Check its current programme listings for kid-friendly workshops and activities before heading down.
Make sure to check out the Deepavali street light-up in Little India. The 2026 street light-up ceremony takes place on 3 October at Birch Road, while the Festival Village runs from 10 October to 8 November 2026. Browse the festive stalls for glittering saris, spicy treats, sweet desserts and shiny oil lamps. Check the organiser’s website for the latest event details before visiting.
We’ve also compiled a list of things to do during Deepavali in Singapore if you need more inspo!
Food, glorious food!
If, like us, you can’t get enough of amazing Asian dishes, then sampling authentic Indian meals in restaurants all around Little India is a must. Race Course Road is packed with fabulous fare offering mouth-watering curries for every taste and budget.
Head to a Hindu temple
Many of the Hindu temples around Singapore will be decked out in their colourful finest during the celebrations. We have a soft spot for Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple on Ceylon Road, and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali, revered as a destroyer of evil.
Happy Deepavali, Singapore!
