Another public holiday is on the horizon, and while we all appreciate the break from work and maybe the chance to plan a brunch with family or friends, it’s also rewarding to discover more about this cultural festival. Read more about it, when is Deepavali 2024, plus some fun things to do for Deepavali celebrations in Singapore.
What is Deepavali?
Meaning a “row of lights” in Sanskrit, it’s 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 2024 is on 31 October.
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) Diwali. The final day of the fight between good over evil (where good triumphed!).
Day 3: Diwali. 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 Light-Up
Catch the annual Deepavali light-up in Little India, which kicked off in September and runs until 17 November. The 2024 light-up is themed around family unity and depicted through a three-dimensional installation at the two main arches that welcome visitors to the precinct. The installation features a joyful family of four, symbolising the festival’s focus on togetherness and harmony.
#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 2024, where you can take your pick of colourful apparel, tasty desserts, festive decor and other popular items. Daily from 10am to 10pm until 30 October.
#3 Treasure Hunt
The treasure hunt involves teams working together to solve clues and puzzles across different locations, which leads to a final reward. The event happens from 10am to 12pm on 12 October at the Little India Precinct.
#4 Deepavali Mascot
Catch the Deepavali mascot as it makes its appearance at Serangoon Road on 5, 12 and 19 October from 4pm to 5pm. Through dance, storytelling and fun activities, it adds a fun element to the Deepavali celebrations in Singapore.
#5 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 5 to 27 October. These include craft workshops, live traditional dance performances, carnival booths and Indian food walking trails.
#6 Live Cooking Demo
Get a deeper understanding of cooking techniques while exploring Indian cuisine in this interactive one-hour demo with a chef. Head to Tekka Place on 5 October and Junior Kuppana Restaurant on 19 October at 4pm.
#7 Deepavali Workshop
Experience the vibrant traditions and customs of Deepavali through hands-on workshops such as making diyas (oil lamps), creating rangoli (decorative patterns) and preparing classic sweets. There will be two sessions, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm, on 26 October at the rooftop pavilion of Tekka Place.
Like this article about Deepavali celebrations in Singapore? There’s more things to do in Singapore and don’t miss out on what’s on this week.
