From kids’ crafting activities and rangoli workshops to TikTok challenges and photography contests, there are plenty of Deepavali events in Singapore where you can experience the Festival of Lights with your fam
Celebrate the victory of good over evil during Deepavali, one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar. And while the food bazaars won’t be happening this year, there’s still plenty of exciting Deepavali events in Singapore where you can have fun with your family and get into the spirit of the Festival of Lights. Keep scrolling to see what’s happening in and around Little India this Deepavali!
Read more: Ultimate Guide to Exploring Little India
↓ Read on for some great Deepavali events in Singapore to celebrate the Festival of Light!
Little India Deepavali Light-Up
This year’s vibrant Deepavali light-up in Little India features a temple gopuram, the ornate monument often seen above the entrance to the temple. This towering monument welcomes devotees into the temple and is a sign to leave your worries behind when you enter a place of peace. In olden times, the gopuram was the highest point in villages in India. Look out for more than 50 arches along Serangoon Road’s 1.5km stretch, which feature other colourful motifs such as peacock lamps, rangoli designs and more.
When: 25 September – 21 November 2021, 7pm – midnight daily
Where: Serangoon Road and Race Course Road
How much: FREE
Deepavali Open House at Indian Heritage Centre (IHC)
The Indian Heritage Centre is going all out with its own selection of Deepavali events in Singapore. Each event is designed to showcase various elements of the Festival of Lights, and almost all are kid-friendly. IHC’s Deepavali Open House runs from 1 October to 14 November 2021. Here’s what’s happening:
Mini Deepavali Light-Up
Too tired to walk the entire 1.5km stretch of the Deepavali light-up (see above)? Then go on a stroll at the Indian Heritage Centre to see a miniature replica instead! The replica features this year’s decorated arch and peacock designs, and is a great place to snap a few shots for the ‘Gram!
When: 1 October – 14 November 2021
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane Singapore, Singapore 209924
How much: Free.
Drop-in Deepavali Activities for Kids
Little ones will get to try a paper-crafting activity to make their own festive paper lamps, which is a major element of the Festival of Lights. This Deepavali event in Singapore includes a visual display detailing the history of the festival, too.
When: 1 October – 14 November 2021
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane Singapore, Singapore 209924
How much: Free.
Celebrate Deepavali 2021: Learn the Art of Indian Traditional Flower Tying!
Where: Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery
When: 6 November 2021, 2pm – 3pm
How much: $5
Flower garlands play an integral role in Indian culture, often as a sign of blessing and honour or as religious offerings. Learn more about the use of different types of flowers in Indian customs through a fresh flower display and enjoy making your own string of flowers! This session is open to all ages and will be conducted in English. Sign up today!
Celebrate Deepavali 2021: Kolam Painting Workshop
Kolam or Rangoli, is a floor drawing artwork made with coloured flour that adorns the entryways of homes during Deepavali or other celebratory festivals. Join this interactive hands-on session to learn to make your own Kolam art piece!
Where: Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery
When: 6 November 2021, 4pm – 5pm
How much: $5
Paper Garland and Thoranam Workshop
Thoranam are hanging decorations used to mark auspicious events, and this Deepavali event in Singapore will show you how to string colourful flowers made from crepe paper together, which you can then use to decorate your home during the Festival of Lights.
When: 23 & 30 October 2021, 10:30am – 12pm
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane Singapore, Singapore 209924
How much: Click here to register.
Little India Trishaw Trails
Get into the Deepavali spirit with the Indian Heritage Centre’s Trishaw Trails! This 15-minute trishaw ride lets you take in all the sights, sounds and festivities in the Little India district. Be sure to snap pics of the various light installations as you go! Limited slots are available, and tickets are released on a weekly basis. So don’t be disheartened if you see that tix are sold out on your date of choice. Simply click back at a later date to see other availabilities.
When: Every Friday, from 6pm – 8pm
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane Singapore, Singapore 209924
How much: $10. Click here to purchase tickets.
Rangoli & Kolam Workshop
Rangoli or Kolam is a traditional decoration made with ground rice powder or rice grains. Geometrical patterns, peacocks and vibrant colours often shape the rangoli patterns seen at the entrances of houses during Deepavali and are meant to welcome the goddess of wealth and good luck, Lakshmi, into the home. Learn how to make one at this Deepavali event with renowned artist Vijayamohan, as she explains the basics of rangoli-making and the patterns that shape it.
When: 9 & 16 October 2021, 10:30am – 12pm
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane Singapore, Singapore 209924
How much: $5 per person. Click here to register.
Little India Biriyani Fiesta
To celebrate Deepavali in Singapore, more than 30 restaurants in Little India are participating in a mega biryani challenge! You’ll get to savour biryani from different regions of India at these restaurants – and all at promotional prices, which are released weekly!
When: 25 September – 21 November 2021
Where: Various locations. Click here for a schedule.
Community On Colours
The Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association (LISHA) is attempting to set another record in the Singapore Book of Records this year with Community of Colours. This Deepavali event in Singapore is a collaboration with Narpani Pearavai & Singarangoli by Mrs Vijaya Mohan, and will feature an installation comprising 100,000 handmade paper flowers – all of which are made using recycled materials. These flowers have been contributed by various multiracial organisations on the red dot and are a physical representation of community bonding and racial harmony.
When: 9 October – 21 November 2021, 11am – 7pm
Where: Poli@Clive Street
How much: Free.
Deepavali Masterclass by Chef Arifin
Want cooking lessons with a celebrity chef? Visit the LISHA Facebook page. and follow the live masterclass by local celeb Chef Arifin, who also owns Bacos the Dine restaurant. He’ll show you how to make three-flavoured wrapped chicken biriyani, spicy, sweet and sour eggplant and saffron-flavoured mango kulfi.
When: 16 October 2021, 3:30pm – 5pm
Where: Online. Click here for more details.
How much: Free
Deepavali Sweets and Savories Workshop
What’s a festival without snacks? The LISHA Women’s Wing will be showcasing three different Indian sweets and snack recipes such as Maami’s Muruku (a crunchy, flour-based snack), Almond Badusha and Cashew Raisin Nei Urundai (ghee balls). These Deepavali events in Singapore will take place online.
When: 17 – 19 October 2021, 5pm – 6pm
Where: Online. Click here for more details.
How much: Free
Deepavali Kajana Hunt
Go on a hunt for treasure through Little India’s bustling streets! Gather a squad of four, and together, you’ll perform various tasks to find solutions and clues to make your way through the game. Along the way, you’ll learn plenty about the Little India district, Indian culture and the Festival of Lights! This Deepavali event in Singapore also has plenty of prizes up for grabs, but slots are limited so sign up ASAP!
When: 23 October 2021, 10am – 4pm
Where: Little India
How much: Register before 10 October for only $5 per person. Click here to sign up!
Best Photography of Little India Contest
Show your photography skills by snapping your best shot of Little India’s most unique spots or features and then submit your photo by 10 October 2021 to stand a chance to win prizes! Include a short explanation of where and why you took your photo, too!
When: Now until 30 October 2021
How to join: Register here before 10 October 2021, email your submission to LISHA and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see your featured entries. Click here for more information.
How much: Free
Lisha Deepavali TikTok Challenge
Got a mini TikToker at home? Rope them in and make a TikTok of the fam dancing to win big in this Deepavali event in Singapore! Dress in Indian attire and use a Deepavali song as your background music and be sure to tag your video with #lishatiktokchallenge. Oh, and post it on TikTok by 17 October 2021 to qualify. The TikTok vid with the most likes stands a chance to win attractive Deepavali hampers! Each video can contain a maximum of four people, and at least one of the participants in the video must be Indian.
When: Until 17 October 2021
How much: Free. Click here for more information.
How We Celebrate Deepavali Video Compilation
Want to share how your family celebrates the Festival of Lights? Then join this Deepavali event in Singapore! Make a one- or two-minute video that explains how your family celebrates (outfit themes, types of food and more!). Your video will be included a compilation that’ll showcase the traditions and practices of the various Indian ethnicities in Singapore. Follow LISHA on Facebook and Instagram to catch the compilation.
When: Submit your video by 10 October 2021. The compilation will be released on 23 October 2021
Where: Online. Click here for more information on how to submit your video.
How much: Free
The post Deepavali Events in Singapore 2021: Rangoli Workshops, Trishaw Trails, Little India Deepavali Light-Up & More! appeared first on Sassy Mama.