Deepavali 2026: All you need to know

Deepavali is a public holiday in Singapore, but also a major cultural festival for Hindus. So when is Deepavali 2026 and what are some fun things to do for Deepavali celebrations in Singapore? Read on to find out!

What is Deepavali?

With a literal meaning of “a row of lights” in Sanskrit, Deepavali is a religious festival and major event in the Hindu calendar, celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Also known as Diwali, as a variation in North Indian languages, it marks the triumph of good over evil – and, symbolically, light over darkness.

When is Deepavali in Singapore?

The Hindu lunar calendar determines the date on which Deepavali falls. It typically occurs sometime in the months of October and November. The celebrations last about five days. Deepavali 2026 falls on 8 November.

Why is it celebrated?

There are various legends surrounding this vibrant festival. One of the most popular ones is the story of the return of Lord Rama and his wife to their North Indian kingdom after a 14-year exile. The people joyously welcomed him with thousands of lamps.

How is it celebrated?

Similar to how lamps were lit for Lord Rama’s return, diyas (oil lamps made of clay) are placed around homes during the festivities. Devotees also clean their homes to prepare for the occasion. Doorways and entrances are often decorated with rangoli – a traditional form of floor art which consists of beautiful patterns usually made out of flour, sand, flower petals or rice. These special decorations are to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into the home.

Festivities begin early on Deepavali with rituals such as oil baths, putting on new clothes, heading to the temple to pray and visiting homes of friends and relatives for feasting. You can expect a mix of sweet and savoury eats and delicacies. They include mithai (South Asian sweets) such as gulab jamun, and puran poli, a sweet Indian flatbread.

The different days of Deepavali

Day 1: Dhanteras. This is an auspicious day for buying gold, silver or any precious metal. These items are believed to bring abundance to your home for the year to come.

Day 2: Choti (small) Deepavali. The final day of the fight between good over evil (where good triumphed!).

Day 3: Deepavali. The main celebration, involving prayers to the Goddess Lakshmi for protection and abundance in the year ahead.

Day 4: Govarndhan Puja. A celebration to show gratitude to the gods and goddesses for their protection.

Day 5: Bhai Dhooj. A celebration for siblings.

Where can I take part in Deepavali celebrations in Singapore?

#1 Deepavali 2026 Light-Up

Catch the annual Deepavali light-up in Little India, which kicked off in 3 October and runs until 29 November. The 2026 light-up is themed around dance, music, and festive joy. Serangoon Road will remain illuminated nightly from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, while the entire Deepavali celebrations last up until 8 November.

#2 Deepavali Festival Village

Shop till you drop at the annual bazaar in Little India! Campbell Lane is again hosting the Deepavali Festival Village in 2026, where you can take your pick of colourful apparel, tasty desserts, festive decor and other popular items. Daily from 7pm to midnight until 8 November.

#3 Big Bus Tour

Explore Little India aboard the LISHA Big Bus Tour and take in the festive lights, colourful sights and, rich culture of the precinct from 7pm to 8pm.

#4 Deepavali Open House at the Indian Heritage Centre

The Indian Heritage Centre welcomes everyone to celebrate the occasion with an exciting array of programmes from 17 October to 8 November. These include hands-on craft workshops, live traditional dance performances, festive bazaar, Indian fashion and food cooking demonstrations.

#5 Miniature Art Painting

The art of Indian miniature painting is a workshop led by artist Mr Ajay Sharma at the Indian Heritage Centre from 31 October to 1 November, running from 4:30pm to 1:30pm. Participants can learn about this traditional art form, known for its intricate details, fine brushwork and colours, and create their own painting. Inspired by centuries of Indian artistic traditions, the workshop shares stories and techniques behind these small-scale artworks. Register here.

#6 Deepavali Decorations on Public Transport

Spot the festive Deepavali-themed decorations across selected public trains and buses from October 8 to November 11, 2026. Five themed trains running across Singapore’s MRT lines, as well as 10 dedicated bus services (including routes 23, 65, 97, and 147), will be completely decked out to spread the warmth of the Festival of Lights. The designs, inspired by the iconic Little India street lights, feature traditional patterns like elegant elephants, rangoli, and festive lamps. Beyond the trains, six key MRT stations, including Little India, Serangoon, and Dhoby Ghaut will sport festive murals. Commuters can also head down to Little India MRT station every Saturday from October 10 to November 7 to experience ‘Spotlight in Transit’ which features live classical dance, interactive cultural booths, and traditional games.

Liked this article about Deepavali celebrations in Singapore? Discover more things to do – and don’t miss out on what’s on this week!