Deepavali 2025 In Singapore: BusyKidd’s Ultimate Guide

It’s October already. This means that charming Deepavali is coming. The streets of Little India light up with thousands of lights, traditional Indian music and clothes are literally at every step in Singapore, and there’s a unique spirit in the air. So what is Deepavali, one of Singapore’s most colourful celebrations? When is Deepavali? How is Deepavali celebrated in Singapore? We invite you to find answers to all these questions in the BusyKidd’s Ultimate Guide: Deepavali 2025 in Singapore. Let’s begin our story with Deepavali’s background – its meaning, traditions, and celebrations.

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Teachers’ Day Gift Guide, Racial Harmony Day, Public Holidays and Long Weekends in Singapore.

What Is Deepavali?

Deepavali (Divali or Diwali) is an ancient Hindu festival of lights celebrated annually in autumn. It celebrates the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.’ What does Deepavali actually mean? The word Deepavali literally translates as ‘a row of lights.’

By the way, you probably wonder if Diwali and Deepavali are the same. Let’s see if there’s any difference in Diwali vs Deepavali. Actually, both names have the same meaning. However, Diwali (or Divali) is more common in North India, while Deepavali is more prevalent in South India.

Is Deepavali a public holiday in Singapore? Yes, Deepavali was declared a public holiday in Singapore in 1929.

When is Diwali or Deepavali celebrated in Singapore? Deepavali lights festival in Singapore usually lasts five days and falls between the middle of October and the middle of November. Its dates depend on the Hindu lunar calendar. When is Deepavali 2025 in Singapore? Deepawali or Diwali 2025 date: 18 to 23 October 2025. The main day of the Diwali festival in 2025 is 20 October.

The date for the Singapore Lights Festival changes each year. For example, Deepavali 2024 was celebrated in Singapore from 29 October to 3 November 2024, with the main Diwali 2024 celebration on 31 October 2024.

What is Deepavali celebrated for? The Festival of Lights praises the triumph of good over evil – of light over darkness. This festival unites people of various faiths and emphasizes the importance of harmony and light in everyone’s soul. Moreover, this holiday is an excellent way for all of us to learn more about India and its incredible culture, traditions, and tastes – and to feel its spirit.

This charming festival has many bright traditions that make it so special – and now is an ideal time to learn more about them.

Deepavali Traditions

As we’ve already mentioned, India’s Festival of Lights celebrations last five days. Day 1 – Dhanteras – marks the beginning of all preparations for the festival’s traditions. Day 2, called Naraka Chaturdasi, is when people decorate their doors with rangoli, a stunning art that is believed to bring good luck. Day 3 – Lakshmi Puja – is the main day of the Festival of Lights, when most traditions and activities take place. People light up diya lamps, say the Lakshmi puja prayer, eat traditional food, and admire fireworks. Day 4, or Govardhan Puja, marks the turn of the New Year. People visit their nearest and dearest with gifts and sincere wishes for the next year. Finally, on Day 5 – Bhai Dooj – brothers visit the homes of their married sisters. If it is impossible, sisters pray for their brothers’ long life, health, and prosperity.

Deepavali Decorations

Image Credit: Indian Heritage Centre via Instagram

Some of the most popular traditional Deepavali decorations are diyas (oil lamps from clay), torans (door decorations), rangoli (an ancient Hindu art form from India), garlands of flowers, etc.

Where to buy Deepavali decorations in Singapore? Finding Deepavali decorations in Singapore won’t be difficult. Almost every flower, gift, décor, and stationery store in Singapore has a wide choice of decorations to adorn your home for the festival. And if you are in Little India… Well, it’s almost impossible to leave its market, stores, and booths without buying something truly authentic to bring the spirit of Diwali home. Besides, you can order everything you need online – on Shopee, Etsy, Amazon, Carousell, etc.

However, the most exciting way to prepare for the Festival of Lights is to craft everything with your own hands. By the way, during the festival, you can participate in various engaging, family-friendly workshops and create your own Deepavali decorations. Moreover, it is an excellent way to have fun, collect great memories with your family, and dive even deeper into the universe of Deepavali in SG.

Deepavali Costumes

What to wear for Deepavali? Well, if you want to get the most out of this Festival of Lights celebration, the best Deepavali clothes are sarees, traditional kurtis, festive ethnic sets, Anarkali suits, and lehengas for women and various kurta-pajama and dhoti-kurta options for men.

What are the ideal colours for your festive outfit? Choose bright, vibrant colours. Yellow or gold are the most auspicious colours for this festival. They symbolise wealth, prosperity, and divine light dispelling darkness. Purple, green, red, and royal blue are also popular choices.

Where to buy a Deepavali costume in Singapore? There are many stores in Singapore where you can choose your perfect Indian dress or costume for Divali. Fabindia, Sharva Collections, Kucch, Nimbu, and The Planter’s Bungalow are just a few of them. Online stores also offer a wide and colourful choice of outfits for this celebration.

Deepavali Food

No doubt, traditional festival food is among the main aspects of the holiday. Deepavali Mithai (Indian traditional sweets) is a must-try. However, the Festival of Lights Mithai are not common cookies, desserts, or candies but ‘pure sweets’ that are offerings to the gods. There are numerous types of mithai, including Laddoo, Karanji, Halwa, Besan, and others.

Deepavali snacks are also traditional foods that you should try to feel the taste of the celebration. Murukku, Paneer Tikka, Samosa, and Aloo Tikki are among the most popular options.

Where to buy festive cookies, snacks, and other delicacies? Ajmir Store, Shahi Maharani North Indian Restaurant, All Things Delicious, Rang Mahal, BC Bites, and other inviting stores are your destination – both in-store and online.

Besides, many dining venues offer a special Diwali Menu to celebrate the festival. You can also participate in cooking classes and live cooking sessions.

Live Cooking Demo With Chef Arifin @ Campbell Lane

Image Credit: LiSHA via Facebook

Join Celebrity Chef Arifin on his live cooking demonstration. Get some secret insights and inspiration. This year, the chef intends to set a Singapore Book of Records milestone, cooking 60 Briyanis in just 60 minutes.

• When: 25 October, 3 PM to 5 PM
• Where: Campbell Lane
• Admission Price: Free
• More Details

Diwali Special Buffet 2025 @ Tandoor

To enjoy the taste of India and make this Festival of Lights truly exceptional, have lunch or dinner at Tandoor at Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre. Treat yourself to authentic Indian flavours and learn more about India’s culinary traditions.

• When: 18, 19, and 20 October:
  • Lunch: 12 PM to 2:30 PM
  • Dinner: 6 PM to 9:30 PM
• Where: Tandoor, Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre
• Price:
  • $138++ for 2 Adults
  • $30++ per Child
• More Details

Diwali Sweets Menu @ Kailash Parbat Singapore

Image Credit: Kailash Parbat via Instagram

Kailash Parbat, an inviting Indian Vegetarian Restaurant in Singapore, invites all its friends to try its Happy Diwali Sweets Menu – 2025. Regular Classic, Festive Special Dry Fruits Sweets, Mawa Sweets, Special Dry Fruits, and House Special Sweets – the choice is wide and so authentic! You can create your ideal Diwali Sweets Box as a gift for your family, friends, colleagues, or for yourself.

You can order festive sweets at any of Kailash Parbat’s branches or online.

• Where:
  • 3 Belilios Road #01-03, Hilton Garden Inn, Singapore 219924
  • 93 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207669
  • 1 Changi Business Park, Crescent, #01-10/12/13 Plaza 8, Singapore 486066
  • Sentosa, 42 Imbia Road #01-01, Singapore 099701
• More Details

COOKING Classes For Kids @ The Pantry

Want something special for this year’s celebration? Why don’t you prepare it yourself? Especially taking into account that The Pantry and Kids Space call all little chefs to join its fun COOKING Classes for Kids and master Roti Canai.

• When:
  • 14 October: 4:30 PM
  • 18 October: 4 PM
  • 19 October: 10 AM
• Where: The Pantry, 16A Dempsey Road, Singapore 247695
• Age: For children 3 years and above
• Admission Price: From $63.96
• More Details

Besides, a whole range of food stalls serving authentic Indian cuisine await you at Deepavali Festival Village at Serangoon Road in Little India.

Deepavali Gift Ideas

What to give for Deepavali in Singapore? We have selected some of the top Diwali gift ideas for you:

• Traditional Sweets
• Oil lamps
• Rangoli stencils
• Puja thalis (prayer plates)
• Diwali candles
• Diwali celebration outfit
• Dry fruits
• Decorations
• Diwali hamper
• Jewelry
• Perfumes
• And others

However, of course, the main gift is your love, attention, and sincere greetings and wishes. Some of the Happy Deepavali greetings and wishes ideas are:

• ‘Wishing you a Deepavali filled with love, laughter, and light. May this festival bring you and your family immense happiness.’
• ‘May the light of Diwali illuminate your home and heart with happiness and prosperity.’
• ‘May this Diwali fill your life with the colours of the rainbow.’
• ‘Shubh Diwali! May the festival of lights bring you good luck, love, and prosperity!’
• ‘May your heart glow as bright as the diya lights of this Diwali.’

Now you know what to give your nearest and dearest during the Festival of Lights! And now let us check out the list of family-friendly events you can join during the festival.

Deepavali 2025: Festivities And Kid-Friendly Activities In Singapore

Deepavali In Little India

Most of the Diwali-dedicated events take place in charming Little India – and this is not surprising. After all, this inviting neighborhood is a cradle of Indian heritage right in the middle of Singapore.

Dive into a one-of-a-kind holiday atmosphere in Singapore’s Little India. Beautiful street light-ups, vibrant bazaars, outstanding performances, fascinating tours, delicious street food, and even more – let’s see what Little India has to offer us for this year’s festival of lights.

Deepavali Open House @ Indian Heritage Centre

Image Credit: Indian Heritage Centre via Instagram

This October, the Indian Heritage Centre turns into a welcoming, lively venue to celebrate one of the most charming festivals of the year. With incredible cultural performances, hands-on workshops, delicious snacks, and many surprises, it is a must-visit event for your family to feel the spirit of the Festival of Lights to the fullest. Be sure to dress up!

• When: 27 September to 19 October
• Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
• Age: For all ages
• Admission Price: Free
• More Details

Big Bus Tour

Embark on an Enchanting Deepavali Journey on the Big Bus Tour. Explore the colourful streets of Singapore decorated for Diwali. Plunge into the rich cultural heritage.

• When: 3, 10, 17, 18, 19, 24, and 31 October and 7, 14, and 18 November
  • 7 PM to 8 PM and 8 PM to 9 PM
• Where: Orchard Hotel and Serangoon Road
• Admission Price: $10 per person
• More Details

Deepavali Festival Village

Experience the true charm of India at the Deepavali Festival Village. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and bright festivities. Enjoy shopping, try delicious authentic treats, watch brilliant performances, and more.

• When: 20 September to 19 October:
  • 7 PM to 12 AM (Daily)
• Where: Serangoon Road
• Admission Price: Free
• More Details

Flower Tying Workshop @ Tekka Place

Join an exciting workshop at Tekka Place. Learn more about the traditional art of flower tying. Create flower garlands – to decorate your home for Deepavali or as a gift for your loved ones.

• When: 11 October:
  • Session 1: 10 AM to 12 PM
  • Session 2: 2 PM to 4 PM
• Where: 01-27 Dragon Playground Unit, Tekka Place, Singapore 218227
• Admission Price: Free
• More Details

Treasure Hunt @ Campbell Lane

Participate in the exciting Lisha Treasure Hunt. Grab your family, solve puzzles and intriguing clues, and uncover hidden treasures. Explore the vibrant streets of Little India and have fun.

• When: 4 October:
  • Session 1: 10 AM to 12 PM
  • Session 2: 4 PM to 6 PM
• Where: Campbell Lane
• Admission Price: Free
• More Details

Colours Of Little India: Culture, Wellness & Spice Walk

Explore Little India. Admire its colours, smell its spices, taste its street food. Learn more about the incredible culture and traditions of India, listen to fascinating stories about the neighborhood, admire the beautiful street art – and spend three hours wandering through the streets of Little India.

• When: Every Tuesday and Wednesday in October and November:
  • 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
• Where: Little India MRT Station (NE7), 60 Bukit Timah Road #B1-02, Singapore 229900
• Admission Price: From $55
• More Details

Other Family-Friendly Deepavali Dedicated Activities 2025

Dance-Telling On Deepavali @ The Artground

It’s time for your little ones to dive into an incredible world of Diwali, as they are all invited to join the unique Dance-Telling on Deepavali at The Artground. Enjoy a fascinating dance and theatre performance with music, dance, games, art, storytelling, and more!

• When: 12 October, 4 PM to 4:30 PM
• Where: Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Rd, Singapore 439053
• Age: For children aged 3-7 years
• Admission Price: $12 per pax
• More Details

Deepavali Bazaar @ FairPrice Xtra

Haven’t purchased festive must-haves, treats, and gifts? Don’t worry, as FairPrice Xtra has taken care of you. Diwali-related items, treats, smiling people, and festive spirit in the air – that’s what you will find at FairPrice Xtra’s exclusive Deepavali Bazaar.

• When: Until 19 October
• Where:
  • Changi Business Park
  • Hougang Point
  • Jurong Point
  • JEM
  • Parkway Parade
• More Details

Deepavali Specials @ Kiztopia

For a day filled with colours, emotions, and fun, head to Kiztopia to enjoy Deepavali Specials for kids. Children will participate in multiple bright activities, including henna tattoos, crafts, and festive games like Rangoli Beanbag Toss and Feather Frenzy.

• When: 18 to 20 October
• Where: Multiple locations
• Admission Price: Admission charge to Kiztopia applies
• More Details

Illam Aglow @ Singapore Discovery Centre

Vibrant dance performances, lively cultural shows, traditional games, a henna station, and multiple hands-on workshops – and this is just the beginning of all the family-friendly activities, surprises, and excitement that Singapore Discovery Centre has prepared for all its visitors for this festive season. Let us celebrate the Festival of Lights together!

• When: 30 September to 26 October
• Where: Singapore Discovery Centre, 510 Upper Jurong Rd, Singapore 638365
• Age: For all ages
• Admission Price: Admission charge to Singapore Discovery Centre applies
• More Details

Deepavali Istana Open House

Be sure to join the Deepavali Istana Open House and take a tour of Singapore’s most magnificent building with an eventful history, multiple secrets, and incredible grounds all around. Participate in bright cultural happenings, admire brilliant performances, take part in engaging craft sessions, and more.

• When: TBA
• Where: The Istana, Office of the President of the Republic of Singapore, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
• Age: For all ages
• Admission Price: 
  • Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents: Free
  • Other Visitors:
    • Adult: $20
    • Child: $10
• More Details

Kindness Weekend: Diwali Edition @ Crane

Crane at Joo Chiat calls all its friends to join its lively Kindness Weekend: Diwali Edition with a festive showcase featuring incredible decor, beautiful gifts, and delicious treats. Enjoy shopping and a great atmosphere.

• When: 18 and 19 October, 10 AM to 6 PM
• Where: Joo Chiat, 432 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427647
• Age: For all ages
• Admission Price: Free
• More Details

Festival Of Light Camp @ Kids Space

Little artists, curious minds, brave explorers, and dreamers are welcome to spend a fun day filled with colours, smiles, traditions, and sincere happiness at the Festival of Light Camp at Kids Space. Henna art, Aloo Tikki cooking, Rangoli, and many other authentic traditions will help kids enjoy this mesmerizing fest to the fullest.

• When: 20 October, 9 AM to 3 PM
• Where: KIDS SPACE, 16A Dempsey Road, Singapore 247695
• Age: For children aged 4-8
• Admission Price: $160
• More Details

Shaabaz Presents: Deepavali Fest 2025

Fairy lights, bright colours, rangoli patterns, happy people, and a heart-warming festive vibe – welcome to Deepavali Fest 2025 by Shaabaz. Enjoy great shopping, find something unique for your nearest and dearest and for your home to add a very special touch.

• When: 9-12 October, 10 AM to 10 PM
• Where: Singapore EXPO Foyer 2, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150
• Age: For all ages
• Admission Price: Free
• More Details

The BusyKidd team is sending you sincere Deepavali greetings and best wishes! Let this celebration bring more warmth, dreams, and love! Happy Deepavali!

Featured Image Credit: Indian Heritage Centre via Instagram