Date: Monday, 9 November 2026 (public holiday in lieu of Deepavali, which falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026)

Not Hindu, but curious about Deepavali? Good news: the festival of lights is one of Singapore's most welcoming celebrations. The National Heritage Board's Roots.sg notes that although Deepavali is a Hindu festival, non-Hindus can also enjoy public festivities such as the Little India light-up. You just need a little respect and an open mind.

First, the date

The Ministry of Manpower lists Deepavali as Sunday, 8 November 2026. Because it falls on a Sunday, Monday, 9 November 2026 is a public holiday (MOM notes it applies if your rest day falls on 8 November). So many people have today off, even though the festival day itself was yesterday. Some Deepavali events ended on the 8th, so read the next section carefully.

What is Deepavali about?

Deepavali, or Diwali, means "a row of lights" and is known as the Festival of Lights. NLB describes it as celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Families often start the day with prayers and an oil bath, decorate doorways with clay lamps (diyas) and colourful rangoli patterns, wear new clothes, and share sweets and snacks. In Singapore, public festivities are concentrated in Little India.

What's still on today (and what has ended)

  • Little India Deepavali light-up: organised by the Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association, the lights shine along Serangoon Road nightly from 7pm to midnight until 29 November, according to The Straits Times. This is the easiest, free way to join in.
  • Festival Village at Campbell Lane: this open-air bazaar ran until 8 November, so it ended yesterday.
  • Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House: ran from 17 October to 8 November and has ended. The centre's regular opening hours may differ, and it is normally closed on Mondays, so please check its website before you go.

Walk Little India the respectful way

Take the MRT to Little India or Farrer Park, which are connected by Serangoon Road, and walk the stretch of lights. A visitor guide notes that Little India is calmest on weekday mornings and busiest on Sundays and in the weeks before Deepavali. Today is a holiday, so expect a livelier crowd than a normal Monday, especially after 7pm. Keep bags in front of you and agree on a meeting point.

Temples: visit as a guest

You are generally welcome to look around, but Hindu temples are active places of worship. The Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) gives these basics:

Cover your shoulders (a scarf or shawl works) and wear trousers or skirts that cover at least the knees.
Avoid anything too tight, too short or too revealing. Temples often provide shawls, cover-ups and wraps if needed.
Remove footwear outside the temple. Socks are usually fine unless the floor is slippery.
Keep your voice low and treat the priests with respect.
Do not enter the shrines or sanctums.
Do not sit with your feet pointing toward the deities, the priests or another person.
No smoking or alcohol in the temple or its grounds, and avoid public displays of affection such as hugging.

HEB's page does not set out photography rules, so ask before photographing people or the inner shrines, and follow any signs. Two well-known temples in the area are Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. Temples usually open in morning and evening windows with a break in between, and published hours differ between sources, so check the temple's own page or notice board.

Eat your way through the festival

  • Little India Deepavali light-up: organised by the Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association, the lights shine along Serangoon Road nightly from 7pm to midnight until 29 November, according to The Straits Times. This is the easiest, free way to join in.
  • Festival Village at Campbell Lane: this open-air bazaar ran until 8 November, so it ended yesterday.
  • Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House: ran from 17 October to 8 November and has ended. The centre's regular opening hours may differ, and it is normally closed on Mondays, so please check its website before you go.

Some shops and restaurants may close or change hours around the holiday, so check before you travel far.

Small ways to be a good guest

Wish people "Happy Deepavali". It is warmly received. Bright colours suit the mood. NLB notes that Hindus traditionally prefer bright colours during Deepavali and avoid black, which is associated with death and considered inauspicious, so it is a thoughtful touch to wear something colourful. There is no need to wear traditional clothes. Ask before photographing people, and avoid treating worshippers or families as props for photos. If you are invited to a home, a small gift such as fruit or sweets is a nice gesture, and it is polite to ask if you should remove your shoes.

Plan your Monday

A simple holiday plan: sleep in, enjoy a banana-leaf lunch or a snack run at Tekka Centre, wander the shophouses and flower garland stalls in the afternoon, then return after 7pm for the light-up. Check the haze and weather before a long outdoor walk.

See Little India on Google Maps