Deepavali, also known as Diwali or the Festival of Lights, is a vibrant Hindu festival that has become an integral part of Singapore’s multicultural celebrations. Rooted in rich mythology and religious traditions, Deepavali is primarily celebrated by Singapore’s Indian community, with unique observances among Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. It symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil.
This guide explores the origins of Deepavali, how it is celebrated in Singapore today, and what makes it a uniquely local expression of Indian heritage. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, this guide will help you better appreciate and participate in the Deepavali festivities.
History of Deepavali
Deepavali is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, with diverse legends that differ by region but share a common theme of righteousness prevailing over evil.
In South India, Deepavali commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon king Narakasura, symbolising the end of oppression and the arrival of light. In North India, the festival marks Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana, as told in the epic Ramayana. Villagers lit oil lamps (diyas) to welcome Rama home, a tradition still widely followed.
Another significant aspect of Deepavali is the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth and prosperity. It is believed she visits clean, well-lit homes to bless devotees. This is why homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with lights, symbolising both a physical and spiritual cleansing.
These myths collectively emphasise hope, renewal, and the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, values that resonate with people across generations.
Symbols, Rituals, and Traditions
Deepavali is rich in traditions and symbols, many of which convey prayers for prosperity, purity, and the triumph of light.
Light and Prosperity
Lighting lamps is at the heart of Deepavali. Families place oil lamps (diyas) or electric lights at doorways and windows to invite auspicious energies. These lights are believed to attract Goddess Lakshmi and symbolise the victory of light over darkness.
Business owners, particularly from North Indian communities, also perform Lakshmi Puja, a ritual to seek blessings for a prosperous year. New accounting books are opened during this time, marking a new financial beginning.
Rangoli (Kolam)
Another beloved tradition is Rangoli, known in Tamil as kolam. These intricate floor patterns, made from coloured rice flour, grains, or petals, decorate entrances, symbolising hospitality and blessings. In addition to their beauty, they serve a charitable purpose, often created with rice that feeds small creatures, reflecting generosity.
Oil Baths and Prayers
On Deepavali morning, families wake before dawn for an oil bath ritual. The eldest family member applies oil to the foreheads of younger members, followed by bathing and dressing in new clothes. This act is said to carry the spiritual benefit of bathing in the Ganges River and symbolises renewal.
People wear traditional attire – sarees for women and kurta or dhoti for men. Bright colours are preferred, as black is considered inauspicious. Morning prayers (puja) are held at home before visiting temples to offer thanks and seek blessings.
Food, Sweets, and Festive Sharing
Deepavali is as much a culinary celebration as it is a spiritual one. Families prepare and share mithai (Indian sweets), such as laddu, burfi, and jalebi, as well as snacks like murukku. Exchanging sweets symbolises sweet beginnings and communal joy.
When Is Deepavali Celebrated in Singapore?
Deepavali typically falls between mid-October and mid-November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar. The exact date varies each year and is determined locally by the Hindu Endowments Board. In 2025, Deepavali will be celebrated on Monday, 20 October.
While the day itself is the spiritual peak, celebrations across the island, particularly in Little India, begin weeks in advance, with street light-ups, bazaars, and cultural programmes running throughout the month leading up to the festival.
How Deepavali is Celebrated in Singapore
In Singapore, Deepavali extends far beyond individual homes. It’s a national celebration transforming entire neighbourhoods into vibrant cultural, colourful, and community hubs. The festival is most visibly brought to life in Little India, where decades of tradition and local enthusiasm have turned the area into the heart of Singapore’s Deepavali festivities.
1. Little India: The Festival Epicentre
Centred along Serangoon Road, Little India is the focal point of Deepavali celebrations. Each year, around two to three weeks before the actual holiday, the area is illuminated with a dazzling street light-up. This month-long display features ornate arches, fairy lights, and motifs inspired by Hindu mythology, including peacocks, lotus flowers, oil lamps, and even deities and goddesses. A standout installation once featured Radha and Krishna surrounded by celestial swans and lotus blooms, suspended above the street.
The tradition began in 1985 as a grassroots effort to brighten Serangoon Road during the festival. By 1999, the light-up had expanded in scope and now includes a launch ceremony with cultural performances and, in earlier years, even a fireworks display. Some have called the Deepavali light-up more stunning than Singapore’s famous Orchard Road Christmas decorations.
2. Deepavali Bazaar and Festival Village
During the festival season, a Deepavali bazaar, often held around Campbell Lane, springs to life. The bazaar offers a rich sensory experience: rows of stalls selling oil lamps, decorative lanterns, traditional Indian clothing, jewellery, incense, and home décor. The air is filled with the scent of marigold garlands and spices, while music from Tamil cinema or devotional songs sets a festive tone.
Visitors can shop for new sarees, kurta sets, or Punjabi suits, try fresh jalebi, gulab jamun, murukku, or sip on a warm teh halia (ginger tea). As Deepavali nears, the crowd thickens, and families buy last-minute sweets, decorations, and prayer items. The area becomes a street carnival of lights, sounds, and aromas, open and enjoyable for all, regardless of ethnicity or background.
3. Temple Visits and Spiritual Observance
Hindu families rise early on Deepavali morning for ritual oil baths, prayers, and temple visits. Two temples in particular draw the most attention:
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, located right in the heart of Serangoon Road, is dedicated to Goddess Kali. On Deepavali day, the temple becomes a beacon, illuminated by thousands of oil lamps and packed with devotees offering fruits, flowers, and prayers.
- Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple in Chinatown, is another spiritual centre during Deepavali. Its gopuram and courtyards are decorated with lights and floral displays. Special pujas (rituals) are conducted throughout the day to mark the occasion.
4. Theemithi (Fire-Walking Ceremony)
Held in the lead-up to Deepavali, Theemithi is a dramatic annual ritual at Sri Mariamman Temple. Devotees walk barefoot over burning embers as an act of devotion and fulfilment of vows. The event draws significant crowds and is a deeply respected tradition among Singaporean Hindus, adding to the sacred atmosphere of the festival season.
5. Performances, Parades, and Modern Engagement
Cultural celebrations extend beyond religious spaces. Since 2002, the Kalaa Utsavam, Indian Festival of Arts at Esplanade, has become a cornerstone of Deepavali in Singapore. It features Indian classical dance, contemporary music, theatre, and storytelling, attracting tens of thousands annually.
Community centres and arts groups across the island also organise Bollywood dance shows, ethnic fashion parades, and even street concerts.
6. Open Houses and Cultural Inclusion
The Indian Heritage Centre in Little India plays a key role in promoting cultural understanding during Deepavali. Its Deepavali Open House invites the public, regardless of race or religion, to engage in activities such as kolam art, henna painting, festive food tasting, and cultural performances.
It’s common to see non-Indian Singaporeans trying their hand at drawing kolam, chatting with vendors, or sipping teh tarik as part of the experience. These open houses reinforce Singapore’s multicultural spirit and make Deepavali a shared national celebration.
7. Food, Sweets and Shopping
Deepavali is as much a culinary celebration and a festive shopping experience as it is a spiritual one. From sharing traditional sweets with loved ones to bustling bazaars and special promotions, this season brings both community warmth and retail buzz across Singapore.
Mithai and Festive Fare
Deepavali is a feast for the senses. Sweets like laddu, halwa, kaju katli, and murukku are shared with guests and neighbours. These sweet exchanges strengthen social bonds and mark a joyful start to the new year.
Shopping and Sales
Mustafa Centre, local Indian boutiques, and online stores offer traditional outfits, prayer items, décor, and gifts. Shops run promotions, and shoppers hunt for deals on clothing, tech, and home goods. It’s a critical period for retailers, and business owners often plan campaigns around the festival.
7. The Day Itself: A Festival of Unity
Deepavali is a public holiday in Singapore, and the mood is festive across the island. Little India becomes a gathering point, not just for Hindu families but also for Indian migrant workers from across South Asia. Dressed in new clothes, they meet friends, dine out, or connect with family back home through phone calls and video chats.
Restaurants serve special Deepavali menus, and many distribute free vegetarian food (prasadam), such as sweet rice pudding or biryani, to all who visit. These gestures of hospitality reflect the inclusive spirit of the day.
Deepavali in Singapore reflects the fusion of tradition and urban vibrancy from ancient rituals to modern street lights. It’s a time when faith, family, community, and culture come together to create a celebration that’s both deeply spiritual and widely accessible.
Whether you’re lighting a diya at home, admiring the arches of Serangoon Road, or tasting your first jalebi, Deepavali in Singapore invites everyone to experience the beauty of light, renewal, and unity.
Discover More Cultural Festivals in Singapore
Deepavali is just one of the many vibrant festivals that make up Singapore’s multicultural fabric. Throughout the year, communities come together to celebrate a range of cultural traditions that reflect the nation’s spirit of harmony and diversity.
Interested in exploring more of what makes Singapore’s cultural scene so unique? Read our article on cultural festivals in Singapore to learn about the other major celebrations that bring people together across traditions, faiths, and generations.
