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As Deepavali 2025 approaches, Little India becomes the heart of Singapore’s Festival of Lights. With streets ablaze in colourful decorations, a bustling festival village, cultural performances, workshops, and traditional cuisine, there is so much to explore. Whether you’re going with family or just soaking in the festive vibe, here’s a guide to make your Deepavali in Little India unforgettable.

Deepavali in Singapore: Date & Holiday Status

Deepavali is often a public holiday in Singapore for certain sectors (e.g. schools). For 2025, it falls on 22 October. The Indian Heritage Centre runs its Deepavali Open House from 27 September to 19 October, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays to capture late evening visitors.

So even if the actual festival day is later, the streets of Little India are already alive with lights, bazaars, performances and activities well in advance.

Deepavali Light-Up & Festive Streets

One of the most iconic sights is the Deepavali lights along Serangoon Road and Race Course Road. Thousands of LED lights form arches, peacocks and floral motifs — transforming the precinct into a glowing wonderland.

The lighting typically switches on from about 7 pm daily and stays until midnight (later on weekends).

A must-do is the Utsavam Street Parade, which launches the light-up festivities with dance, music and community performances. In 2025, this is scheduled for 6 September, 6:30 pm to 10 pm along Serangoon Road.

Attending the light-up while wandering through the Deepavali Festival Village ensures you see local stalls selling deepavali deco, lights, floral garlands, ethnic wear and treats.

Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House

The Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) is at the cultural core of the celebrations. Its Open House runs weekends from 27 September to 19 October 2025, open 10 am to 6 pm (extended to 8 pm Fri/Sat).

Here’s what to expect:

• Festive Market / Bazaar: stalls offering festive sweets, handicrafts, Indian fashion, jewellery, decor and gift items.
• Drop-in Crafts & Workshops: try your hand at rangoli, diya (clay lamp) making, floral decoration, and creating Deepavali greeting cards.
• Dress-up & Henna Booths: dress in traditional Deepavali costume, get mehndi or henna art on your hands, and take photos at festive backdrops.
• Cultural Performances & Storytelling: music, dance, and live theatre celebrating Deepavali’s mythology and traditions.

Best of all, entry to IHC is free during Open House, though some workshops might require registration or have limited slots.

Deepavali Bazaar 2025 & Street Shopping

Throughout the precinct, Deepavali bazaars pop up — especially along Campbell Lane, Hastings Road, Serangoon Road, and near Centrium Square.

Here you’ll find:

• Deepavali sweets & Diwali sweets: murukku, laddu, ribbon pakoda, kaju katli, crispy snack packs
• Deepavali catering & hampers: some vendors offer pre-packaged festive food hampers or home delivery
• Deepavali gift & decor: clay diyas, lanterns, rangoli kits, floral garlands (“deepavali flower”), decorative lights
• Indian festive / kids clothes: ethnic wear, silk saris, kurta sets, children’s festive outfits
• Games & activities: children’s play corners, mini treasure hunts or games stalls in the festival village
• Minibus tours / Big Bus Tour: special guided tours that drive through light-up areas — in 2025, there are 13 dates scheduled.

Food, Sweets & Indian Cuisine

No Deepavali is complete without food. Little India becomes a food lover’s paradise.

• Deepavali food & Indian cuisine in the precinct includes classic favourites: biryani, dosas, curries, vadai, sweets.
• Vendors in IHC’s Open House and bazaars sell Deepavali sweets and diya sets alongside savoury snacks.
• Try the murukku and snack packs from street stalls — crispy, spicy, and often sold in festive packaging.
• For a deeper meal, head to Tekka Centre (665 Buffalo Road) for Indian vegetarian and South Indian cuisine amidst the bustle of Little India.

If you prefer ordering ahead, many caterers in Singapore list special Deepavali catering menus — ready-made festive meals for family gatherings.

Activities, Crafts & Things to Do

Little India over Deepavali is not just about lighting and food — it’s about participation.

• Rangoli workshops let you try designing colourful floor art with coloured powder or rice.
• Diya making classes are often available during IHC Open House and festival weekends.
• Flower tying/garland making is a classic Indian art often held in craft booths.
• Deepavali Games & Kids Activities: children’s colouring, cultural quizzes, treasure hunts. IHC is distributing activity booklets for kids to solve puzzles linked to heritage.
• Treasure Hunt (4 October 2025) in Little India: participants follow clues across stations in Little India, solving tasks and stories of Indian culture.

Wrapping Up & Tips

Little India transforms into a vibrant, multi-sensory celebration during Deepavali 2025. Between the lights, food, crafts, and cultural performances, there is a feast for all senses. Here are a few tips:

• Visit early evening to catch both daylight and light-up
• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking through narrow streets
• Bring a phone or camera — the décor is photo-worthy
• Check workshop timings ahead — some craft sessions are only on weekends
• For deeper immersion, visit IHC on a weekend for free access and full experience

Wishing everyone a Happy Deepavali 2025 — “Happy Deepavali 2025”! May the lights bring warmth, joy, and togetherness.