Deepavali is a public holiday in Singapore, but also a major cultural festival for Hindus. So when is Deepavali 2025 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 2025 falls on 20 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) 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 2025 Light-Up
Catch the annual Deepavali light-up in Little India, which kicked off in September and runs until 9 November. The 2025 light-up is themed around dance, music, and festive joy. Serangoon Road will remain illuminated nightly from 7pm to midnight, while the entire Deepavali celebrations last up until 19 October.
#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 2025, where you can take your pick of colourful apparel, tasty desserts, festive decor and other popular items. Daily from 7pm to midnight until 19 October.
#3 Treasure Hunt
The treasure hunt involves pairs of participants working together to solve clues and puzzles across different locations, which leads to a final reward. The event is happening from 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 6pm on 4 October at the Little India Precinct.
#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 27 September to 19 October. These include hands-on craft workshops, live traditional dance performances, festive bazaar, Indian fashion and food cooking demonstrations.
#5 Deepavali Flower Tying Workshop
Experience the vibrant traditions and customs of Deepavali through a hands-on flower garland tying workshop on 11 October, 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. Participants will receive step-by-step guidance from professionals on how to tie their own flower garlands. Limited spots are available, so register here.
#6 Deepavali Decorations on Public Transport
Spot the Deepavali light-up designs on selected public trains and buses for six weeks, starting from 30 September. The walls and steps of Little India MRT station will also be decorated with the colourful designs. The designs will be officially launched by the Minister of Transport (to be confirmed) at HarbourFront Station on 30 September at 11am, where the minister will board the train from HarbourFront to Little India station.
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