Your 2026 guide to enjoying Deepavali in Singapore
Celebrate Deepavali 2026 in Singapore with Little India's festive lights, cultural performances, family workshops, heritage tours and a Sindhi feast
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With more than 2km of festive lights illuminating Serangoon Road, bustling bazaars and cultural performances, Singapore is gearing up for Deepavali, one of the most important celebrations in the Hindu calendar.
Also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, the occasion symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. For Hindus, it’s a time for prayer, renewal and togetherness, marked by family gatherings, festive meals and traditions passed down through generations.
And while Deepavali holds deep religious significance, its message of hope, kindness and togetherness resonates beyond the Hindu community. In multicultural Singapore, it’s also an opportunity to appreciate Indian heritage and share in the festivities.
With Deepavali falling on Sunday, 8 November, and the public holiday observed the following Monday, here are some ways to join the celebrations, from cultural experiences and creative workshops to a communal feast.
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Get reacquainted with Deepavali traditions at the Indian Heritage Centre
What did Deepavali celebrations look like in Singapore decades ago? That’s one of the questions the Indian Heritage Centre explores at its annual open house, which takes on the theme House of Memories this year.
Among the displays are three heirloom saris contributed by members of the Indian community, each carrying stories of family celebrations and traditions passed down through generations. Visitors can also dress up in traditional attire for a photograph at the vintage photo booth, decorate miniature mithai (Indian sweet) boxes or paint clay brooches inspired by familiar Indian motifs.
There’s a weekend bazaar selling festive goods and traditional clothing, while free guided tours of the centre’s permanent galleries take place every Saturday at 7pm. For those interested in Indian art, a miniature painting workshop ($28) will be held on 31 October and 1 November.
When: 17 October to 8 November 2026, 10am–6pm (until 8pm on Saturdays). Selected activities are available on weekends only.
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane
Admission: Free for Open House activities; $28 per person for the miniature painting workshop.
More information: Indian Heritage Centre
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Spend an evening among the lights and festivities in Little India
Little India is worth visiting at any time of the year, but Deepavali brings a different energy to the neighbourhood. More than 2km of festive lights stretch along Serangoon Road, with colourful arches and decorations transforming the streets after sunset.
Start with a walk beneath the light displays before making your way to the Festival Village along Campbell Lane. Browse stalls selling traditional Indian clothing, handicrafts, festive decorations and snacks, or simply enjoy the atmosphere as shoppers and families make their way through the neighbourhood.
If you’re visiting on 31 October, there’s more to do than shop. A free clay diya (traditional oil lamp) painting workshop at Tekka Place lets participants decorate traditional terracotta oil lamps, while Sangeetham Under The Stars brings live Carnatic music, fusion performances and Bollywood favourites to Campbell Lane later that evening.
When: Light-up until 29 November 2026, 7pm–midnight daily; Festival Village until 8 November, 7pm–midnight. Clay diya painting takes place on 31 October, 2pm–4pm, followed by live music from 8pm–10pm.
Where: Serangoon Road, Campbell Lane and Tekka Place, Little India
Admission: Free; advance registration required for clay diya painting.
More information: Deepavali Thiruvizha 2026
See a different side of the Istana at its Deepavali Open House
Most of us have walked past the Istana’s gates along Orchard Road without ever seeing what’s inside. On 1 November, there’s an opportunity to visit its grounds as part of the annual Deepavali Open House.
One of this year’s highlights is the first-ever narrated Changing of Guards ceremony, featuring the Singapore Armed Forces Ceremonial Band and the Silent Precision Drill Squad. Elsewhere, visitors can explore the gardens and historic landmarks, take part in the Istana Stamp Rally or browse books recommended by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Ms Jane Ittogi.
The Istana Villa will also be open for self-guided tours, offering a look at state gifts presented to Singapore’s leaders. Cultural performances, an evening concert, food stalls and a community marketplace provide more reasons to spend a few hours here.
When: 1 November 2026, 10am–8pm (last entry at 6.30pm)
Where: The Istana, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
Admission: Free for Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and migrant domestic workers accompanying families. Other visitors pay $20 per adult or $10 per child aged four to 12. Selected tours and activities incur additional charges.
More information: Istana Open House
Let the children make their own Deepavali keepsakes at Design Orchard
For families with young children, local fashion label Nimbu is organising an afternoon of festive crafts at DORS on 1 November.
During the two-hour workshop, children will get to make three creations of their own: a colourful mosaic coaster, an air-dry clay diya and a peacock-inspired decoration. The Nimbu team will guide them through each activity, and everything they make is theirs to bring home.
Parents can join in the afternoon’s festivities or browse the label’s clothing collection, with founder and designer Kriti Gupta on hand to offer styling advice. The workshop costs $20 per child, or $35 for two siblings, making it an accessible way for families to spend an afternoon creating something together.
When: 1 November 2026, 2pm–4pm
Where: DORS, 250 Orchard Road, #01-01, Singapore 238905
Admission: $20 per child or $35 for two siblings. Advance booking required.
More information: Nimbu Singapore
Cook up a Sindhi Deepavali feast at the Museum of Food
Food has always been a big part of Deepavali celebrations, and the Museum of Food is inviting visitors to experience a lesser-known side of the festival through a communal cooking session on 7 November.
Led by Chef Shalu Asnani of Little Green Kitchen, Pasar to Table 3.0: A Sindhi Diwali introduces participants to the food traditions of the Sindhi community, whose roots trace back to the Sindh region in present-day Pakistan. Many Sindhi families settled in Singapore following the Partition of India in 1947, bringing with them recipes that have largely been preserved and passed down through home kitchens.
During the session, participants will prepare traditional, family-style Sindhi dishes using fresh ingredients sourced from Jalan Tua Kong Wet Market. Once the cooking is done, everyone gathers around the table to enjoy the meal they’ve prepared together.
When: 7 November 2026, 11.30am–2pm
Where: Museum of Food, 102 Joo Chiat Road, #02-01, Singapore 427396
Admission: $68 per person, excluding a $1.70 booking fee.
More information: Museum of Food
