Deepavali in Singapore

Dates

History & significance

Deepavali (Diwali), the Hindu festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are cleaned and decorated, oil lamps (diyas) are lit, and families lay kolam rangoli patterns at their doorways. The date is set by the Hindu lunar calendar and usually falls in October or November. Around one in twenty Singapore residents is Hindu, and the day is a gazetted public holiday.

How it’s observed in Singapore

For weeks beforehand, Little India along Serangoon Road is strung with an elaborate street light-up, typically switched on from early evening until around midnight. A festive bazaar runs along Campbell Lane and Hastings Road selling ethnic wear, garlands, sweets and decorations, and the Indian Heritage Centre holds programmes. On the day, Hindus visit temples such as Sri Veeramakaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal for prayers, wear new clothes and hold open houses with sweets and savouries.

What's open and what's closed

Offices, banks and schools are closed and transport runs to a public-holiday schedule; malls and most shops stay open. Little India is the exception to plan around: in the run-up and on the day, crowds are heavy, car parks fill early and some roads see temporary closures or diversions — take the MRT to Little India or Farrer Park rather than driving.

Common questions