Also known as Deepavali, Diwali is usually a five-day long festival occurring in the fall; either in September, October, November, or December. However, Diwali season is much longer than this. This date is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar and changes year by year. The term Deepavali is more commonly used in Singapore as it is the Tamil word for this “row of lights” festival, while Diwali originated from Hindi in northern India. Although it originated in the Hindu faith, Diwali is celebrated by Jains, Hindus, Newar Buddhists, and Sikhs in their own unique way(s). It is also important to point out that though much of the Diwali celebrations occur in Little India, many Singaporeans of Indian decent are not all Hindu and hence do not celebrate Diwali/Deepavali.
Deepavali is the celebration of the victory of light over darkness; many start this holiday with prayer rituals, temple visits, and festivities with friends, family, and food. Kolam and colorful fabric are used to decorate houses, especially entryways. Candles and clay lamp Panati/Diya are very popular. Much of the light and color decor on Singapore’s streets across Little India tend to stay up for two, sometimes three months following the celebration kick off. Most people wear colorful clothing and avoid wearing black all together.
Note – that the first day of Diwali in Singapore is considered a Public Holiday, unless it falls on a weekend, in which the PH usually falls on the closest weekday thereafter. Deepavali in Singapore will occur this year, 2024, from October 29th-November 3rd. If you are in Singapore in the late fall, consider heading to Little India to partake in these wonderful festivities!
1. Deepavali Countdown Concert on Eve of Diwali in Singapore
Held at the eve of Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore, this concert celebrates into the night until midnight and beyond, welcoming the festival of lights with local artists’ performances. It is traditionally hosted on Mackenzie Road and/or at the The Theatre At Mediacorp.
2. Partake in a Workshop
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There are a number of interactive workshops you can get involved in during Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore. Here are just a few:
Floral Artistry: This stress relieving experience is a flower garland making workshop. I imagine you have seen the colorful and fragrant floral garlands around Little India (called Mala), so why not give it a shot at making your very own. Learn to tie your unique floral piece and even get to know the cultural and religious significance behind it!
Kolam/Rangoli: The art of making Kolam will let you make your unique design to express your creativity. This Indian form of art is great for children and adults alike – think of it as an advanced coloring session with deep cultural heritage. Rangoli is the term often used throughout Northern Indian while Kolam is more common amongst the Southern Indian Tamil people, and of course, across Singapore. The Kolam is an art form where rice flour or chalk is used to create a vibrant design on the ground – you can expect to use pen/pencil and paper during this workshop however.
Cooking: Although more of a demo and not so much a hands on class, Chef Arifin With demonstrates the techniques and ingredients that make Indian food special. This “workshop” shows that one recipe cannot convey the depth and layering of flavor that is so significant in South Asian cuisine. Locals and tourists alike have enjoyed Chef With’s demonstrations. His Tekka Place restaurant Bacos is a one of a kind Italian Indian fusion restaurant! The Indian Heritage Centre also offers a number of cooking demos during Deepavali.
Workshops hosted by the Indian Heritage Centre: Not only hosting an open house, but the Indian Heritage Centre host a tapestry painting course, a nearly three thousand year old tradition! You will learn the use of vibrant colors to make your Pichwai and perfect the small details that paint the bigger picture. The IHC also hosts Tanjore, miniature painting, jewellery canvas painting, Indian Sari & Draping Methods, and Henna courses! For kids, the IHC offers a weekend dedicated to a variety of mini workshops where kids can decorate Rangoli color catchers, make candle holder cards, paint an oil jar, bejewel notebook, and get Henna! As mentioned above, the IHC also offers cooking demonstrations.
Bollywood Dance Classes: Hosted at the Esplanade, Bollywood dance classes are offered for various age groups 6 years of age and older. This activity is great for the young and the old. Professional dancers from the Royalusion dance group will be teaching these classes.
For more info on Diwali workshops, click here.
3. Taste your way through the Food Bazaar
This is not just a feast for the senses but also a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts of Indian cuisine, coming together to relish the food and soak in the joyful ambiance of the festival!
Take a walking tour through Little India during Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore while letting your tastebuds do all the exploring. This delicious tour will give you further insight into the depths of Indian cuisine. This is especially a great option if you don’t have time to sit down for a formal cooking demo or other workshop.
Some common culinary treats to look out for include Gathiya (fried and spicy dough strips), Chevda/Chivda (a type of trail mix), and Murukku (spiral or block shaped spicy rice crackers). Idli and Dosa are year round staples in South Indian cuisine, so I would give them a go if you haven’t yet. Roti Prata is also a classic. It is typically hosted at POLI @Clive Street.
4. Go on a Scavenger Hunt!
Compete against fellow puzzle enthusiasts to discover culturally significant clues and interesting facts about Indian culture, all while vying for exciting prizes!
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This competition usually allows for around 25 pairs a day and is great for anyone who loves trivia and looking for clues. This is a timed event, so whichever couple can make it through all 8 stations the fastest, will win!
Hint hint, the mystery topic in question likely has to do with Indian cultural and traditions, especially involving Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore!
5. Attend a Diwali Light Up Ceremony
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This is the kickoff event to Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore! This event brings the streets to light as the decorations and light displays are illuminated, especially along Serangoon Road It’s what gives Singapore’s Little India stand out with bright colors, especially the overlay the public busses and MRT trains that go all across the city! The official light up ceremony as shown above with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong was held at the Indian Heritage Centre in 2023.
6. Watch a Deepavali Street Show
Brace for a cultural immersive dance and song performance right here during Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore! These performances are usually held in the streets of Singapore’s Little India. Specifically, Rangoli & Rhythm, a live dance competition, is held at OCBC Square, near the National Stadium.
7. Shop for Traditional Goodies
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Prefer to just stroll an shop? Look no further than Festival Village. You will find it along Campbell Lane where you will also find dozens of stalls selling traditional clothing, handcrafts, snacks, small gifts and souvenirs, as well as traditional decor.
Also be sure to stop by nearby Tekka Centre for a bite to eat and fresh produce, as well as Mustafa Centre for more shopping options during Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore or anytime of the year.
8. Take a bus tour!
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Big Bus Singapore offers a guided 45-minute tour with several pit stops before ending at one of Little India’s restaurants. You are provided with a S$5 voucher to spend at the restaurant. This is an effortless way to enjoy and appreciate Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore! Reserve your bus tour here.
9. Get your Henna On
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Henna (or Mehdi) is a tradition that dates back over 5,000 years across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. It has been used for both cosmetic and its healing/soothing properties. Today, it is commonly used for beautification for special events (especially weddings), and it is almost exclusively for women.
Henna will darken in the days following its application, and the temporary tattoo can last for 2-3 weeks. Khair Henna, Zahra Bridal Henna (mobile and storefront), Indian Inks, and SyraSkins are great options around the city to get your Henna on this Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore! If you’d prefer to stay in Little India, there are beauty parlors that offer Henna services at Tekka Centre and along Serangoon Road.
10. Enjoy Deepavali Sweets (a.k.a. Mithais)
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Deepavali is nothing without food and treats. Here are a few sweets you can indulge in during Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore:
- Mysore Pak (spiced fudge like cubes, sometimes airy on the inside, made from lentils)
- Barfi/Burfi (milk based cubes, similar to fudge)
- Kheer/Payasam (cream jell-o adjacent cold treat with raisins and nuts)
- Shakarpara (sweet crisps – the savory version is known as Namakpara)
- Shrikhand (Sweet yogurt)
- Adhirasam (sweet & savory fried donut)
- Rasgulla (boiled rose syrup milk balls)
- Ladoo/Laddu (similar to Rasgulla but made with dough)
11. Indian Heritage Centre Open House for Diwali in Singapore 2024
This year’s season for Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore would not be complete without the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre (IHC). Everyday from 10am-pm from October 5th-27th, pregame for Diwali in Singapore with the free programs offered at the IHC such as carnival booths, snacks, live performances, and more! Click the link above for details and schedule.
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Summary and Final Thoughts
I hope this blog post gave you some inspiration on how to make the best of Diwali/Deepavali season in Singapore. Whether you enjoy the cultural dance performances, concerts, and fashion shows, or you are more of a foodie and want to taste the Mithais and savory goodies for yourself, Singapore’s Little India has no shortage of amazing things to do during this colorful and bright holiday. Most reservations to the events outlined in the blog post can be made through the LISHA website or IHC website once the date gets closer. Happy Diwali in Singapore/Deepavali in Singapore!
