Deepavali Celebration in Singapore: All You Need to Know

The air is buzzing with lights, aromas, and the energy of celebrations. Deepavali in Singapore 2025 is just around the corner, and it’s not only about the shimmering decorations. It’s about the food, the gatherings, and the moments you’ll remember. From street bazaars to festive feasts, every corner offers a chance to celebrate the Festival of Lights in style.

But navigating all the events, dining spots, and cultural experiences can get overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up the best ways to celebrate, where to dine, and how to soak in all the festival fun without missing a beat.

Deepavali in Singapore 2025: Guide to Celebrations, Dining, and Festival Fun

This guide covered:

the meaning and significance of Deepavali and why it’s celebrated in Singapore
key traditions, rituals, and the cultural story behind the Festival of Lights
how Little India becomes the vibrant hub for Deepavali celebrations
must-see events, including street light-ups, festival village markets, and cultural performances
where to dine for Deepavali 2025, from traditional Indian feasts to modern culinary twists
Tanglin Cookhouse as a unique venue offering some festive Indian-inspired dishes and other favorites
tips for planning a stress-free celebration with family and friends
how dining out enhances the festive experience while creating memorable moments for all

What is Deepavali?

Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a major Hindu festival celebrated with great festivity and colour all over the world. It marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival is a five-day event, but the main day is a public holiday in Singapore, allowing everyone to join in the festivities. For Hindus, it’s a time to honor the return of deities, including Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, and is widely associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of prosperity and wealth.

The word "Deepavali" itself comes from the Sanskrit term meaning "a row of lights," which is the central theme of the celebration.

Know more about Deepavali Singapore 2025

How We Celebrate Deepavali in Singapore

Deepavali celebrations in Singapore are a vibrant spectacle that beautifully blends traditional rituals with modern public festivities. While Hindu families observe the holiday with prayers and customs at home, the entire country gets to join in the spirit.

Little India as the Main Hub: The heart of the Deepavali festival is undoubtedly Little India. The streets of Serangoon Road and Campbell Lane are transformed into a mesmerizing display of intricate light-ups, creating a breathtaking sight that draws people from all walks of life. This area becomes a colourful festival village bustling with activity.
Lights and Lamps: In the days leading up to the festival, families clean their homes and adorn them with decorations. The most important symbol is the lamp (diya), which is lit to invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. The triumph of good over evil is visually represented by the brilliant lights that dispel the darkness of the night.
Shopping and Feasting: Visitors can browse the many stalls at the festival village and the markets at Tekka Centre. People buy new clothes and exchange gifts. Traditional treats are a huge part of the celebration, with families and friends sharing sweets and savouries as a gesture of goodwill and joy.
Temple Visits: On the day of the festival, many Hindus visit a temple for prayer and blessings. These sacred places are a key centre for devotion and community gathering during Deepavali.

Deepavali Celebration 2025: When It Is Celebrated

Deepavali is a public holiday in Singapore that falls on Monday, 20 October 2025. The celebrations, however, will begin weeks before the main day, with the street light-ups and bazaars starting in mid-September and running until early November.

Events to Catch Up

To immerse yourself in the Deepavali celebrations, be sure to visit Little India. Here are some key events to look out for:

Street Light-Ups: Wander along Serangoon Road to see the stunning street light-ups that transform the area into a shimmering wonderland. The displays often feature motifs of deities and symbolic scenes from Hindu mythology.
Deepavali Festival Village: Located along Campbell Lane, this bustling market is a must-visit. You can shop for traditional ethnic wear, intricate decorations, and a wide array of sweet and savoury snacks.
Special Cultural Performances: Throughout the festive period, Little India often hosts cultural performances, ranging from traditional dances to vibrant musical shows. Keep an eye out for these free events that add to the lively atmosphere.
Theemithi Festival: Leading up to Deepavali, you can witness the awe-inspiring Theemithi ritual, a fire-walking ceremony at the Sri Mariamman Temple. It is a testament to the community's devotion and faith.

Best Places to Dine for Deepavali 2025 Celebrations in Singapore

Deepavali is a time of family and feasting. While the main festival day is a public holiday in Singapore, many people choose to extend the festivity by sharing a meal at a restaurant. Instead of preparing a big feast at home, opting to dine out allows everyone to relax and fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the occasion. The best dining venues for this celebration offer more than just food; they provide a fitting atmosphere that enhances the sense of togetherness.

For a Traditional Deepavali Festival Feast at Little India

During Deepavali, Indian restaurants across Singapore, especially in Little India, are a popular choice. They serve lavish buffet spreads or set menus featuring authentic Indian dishes that are traditionally enjoyed during the festival. Look for places that offer a wide variety of curries, biryanis, tandoori specialties, and an array of sweets and savory snacks. These restaurants are the perfect setting for a rich and authentic culinary experience.

For a Modern Twist of Diwali Celebration

For those who want a more contemporary take on the celebration, many modern eateries create special menus that blend Indian flavors with other cuisines. These places are great for families with diverse palates, offering something for everyone while still paying homage to the festival.

A Unique Twist to Your Celebration: Tanglin Cookhouse

For a truly different dining experience this Deepavali, consider Tanglin Cookhouse at Tanglin Mall, near Orchard Road. While not an Indian restaurant, it offers a fascinating twist on your celebration with its unique blend of British and Asian cuisines. It's a great option for those who want to try something new while still enjoying some of the classic Indian dishes associated with the holiday.

Here are some of the tempting options available, allowing you to create a personalized feast:

Indian-Inspired Mains

Indian Butter Chicken $27: Served with Tumeric Pilaf Rice with Cranberries, Naan Bread, and Tomato Chutney.
Indian Butter Vegetables With Mock Lamb $27: Featuring seasonal vegetables, potatoes, Cumin Pilaf Rice, and Grilled Naan.
Vegetable & Mushroom Makhani Curry $27: Paired with Turmeric Pilaf Rice with Cranberries, Naan Bread, and Tomato Chutney.
Halibut Fish Masala Curry $28: Served with Tumeric Pilaf Rice with Cranberries, Naan Bread, and Tomato Chutney.

Other Asian and British Delights

Tanglin Cookhouse's menu extends beyond Indian-inspired dishes, offering a wider range of flavors that can add a unique flair to your get-together.

Grilled Locally Farmed Barramundi In Banana Leaf $32: Served with Sambal Bawang and a Winged Bean & Ikan Bilis Quinoa Salad.
Hainanese Kurobuta Pork Cutlet $32: Accompanied by Oriental Tomato Sauce, Garden Peas, and Fries.
Slow Cooked Hainanese Oxtail Stew $28: Served with a fresh French Baguette.
Tanglin Style Pao Fan (Poached Rice) $34: A comforting dish with Barramundi, Prawn, Clam, Scallop, Onsen Egg, and Puffed Rice.

By offering a mix of traditional Indian dishes and other familiar Asian and British favorites, Tanglin Cookhouse provides a perfect setting for families who wish to embrace the festive spirit in a fresh and exciting way.

Book and make reservation at Tanglin Cookhouse
Book or talk to us via concierge at +65 8303 1863
Tanglin Mall 163 Tanglin Road #01-106 Singapore 247933 Tel : 3125 8834

A Guide to Deepavali: Celebrating the Festival of Lights

Deepavali is a vibrant festival with a deep cultural significance. This guide to Deepavali will help you understand its history and how it is celebrated in Singapore.

The date on which Deepavali falls is not fixed on the Gregorian calendar, as the Hindu lunar calendar determines the day. It typically occurs sometime between mid-October to mid-November. This great festival celebrated by hindus celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. The central story is that of Lord Rama and his wife, Sita, who returned to their kingdom after a 14-year exile after defeating the demon king Ravana. This event marks the triumph of good over evil.

Deepavali Celebrations and Traditions

The celebration of Deepavali is not a single day but a festival that last about five days, each with its own rituals and significance.

Preparations and Rituals: Leading up to the festival, there is a period of intense preparation for Deepavali. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of light and prosperity. The day begins with rituals such as oil baths. A symbolic cleansing followed by putting on new clothes.
Lights and Feasting: The name Deepavali itself means "a row of lights," and lighting oil lamps is a key ritual. The goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, is believed to visit homes that are well-lit. This is also a time for friends and relatives for feasting, sharing sweetmeat and a wide variety of Indian cuisine. People exchange Deepavali greetings and visit the homes of friends and relatives. A beautiful rangoli is also created at the entrance of homes to welcome guests.

Celebrating Deepavali in Singapore

In Singapore, Deepavali is a public holiday, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the Deepavali festivities. While a temple is one place where Hindus gather to pray, the main public celebration is centered around Little India.

Deepavali Light-Up: The famous deepavali light-up is a magnificent spectacle. The lights in Singapore transform the streets of Serangoon Road and Race Course Road into a glittering wonderland.
Deepavali Events: There are many deepavali events you can attend. The Indian Heritage Centre is a key hub for cultural workshops, exhibitions, and song and dance performances. You can also witness beautiful henna tattoos being applied and enjoy various dance performances.
Festival Highlights: The festival village is a bustling market full of stalls selling traditional items, from intricate decorations to ethnic wear. It is also a great place to try a variety of authentic Indian cuisine. This season is a joyous time for indian families to come together, celebrating good triumphing over evil. The festival is not associated with death but rather the triumph of life and light over all darkness.

Make Your Deepavali 2025 Memorable

Deepavali is a time of light, joy, and family. It's a chance to make new memories while honoring a cherished tradition. Whether you enjoy the street lights of Little India or a simple meal with loved ones, the spirit of the festival is what truly matters.

Choosing to dine out is a great way to celebrate without the stress of cooking. It allows you to relax and fully enjoy the company of those you love most. To make your celebration easy and memorable, we recommend a meal at Tanglin Cookhouse. Book your table today and celebrate Deepavali with a unique twist!