Deepavali: The Festival of Lights 2024 in Singapore

Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, unfolds in one of Singapore's most bustling areas, Little India. Contrary to its name, this vibrant neighborhood is expansive, and visitors during the festivities may find themselves captivated by the labyrinth of vividly adorned streets, dazzling illuminations, stalls brimming with colorful Indian souvenirs, and an abundance of traditional sweet treats.

Deepavali Light-up Ceremony (September 14, 2024)

Every year, Singapore's Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association runs various events and celebrations during the Deepavali season. The Deepavali Light-up Ceremony is one of the highlights of the annual festivities that usually take place about a month before the actual Deepavali day. This event heralds the start of the Deepavali festival, renowned for illuminating prominent buildings and streets with stunning lights and intricate decorations, resulting in a breathtaking display.

Deepavali Festival Village (September 14—October 30, 2024)

For about a month leading to the Deepavali holiday Campbell Lane hosts Deepavali Festival Village, a shopping area with beautiful decorations, delicious deserts, and colorful apparel for this festive season. This vibrant Village serves as a gathering spot where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the rich traditions and festivities of the Indian community. With a colorful assortment of stalls, it showcases traditional attire, intricate handicrafts, and festive decorations that beautifully capture the spirit of Deepavali. Visitors to the Deepavali Festival Village can also enjoy a culinary journey, exploring a diverse selection of food stalls that offer authentic Indian dishes, from savory snacks to mouthwatering sweets.

The Village is a hub for cultural exchange, featuring live performances of traditional music, dance, and artistic displays that celebrate Indian heritage. Families and friends gather here to shop, savor delicious foods, and embrace the joyous atmosphere of Deepavali together. The Village is open from 10 am to 10 pm.

Deepavali Countdown Concert

On the eve of Deepavali, the holiday is ushered in with the Deepavali Countdown Concert, an open-air event frequently graced by international celebrities.

Deepavali Origins

The most popular treat during Deepavali is "murukku," a deep-fried sweet cookie. Deepavali holiday, according to one version, celebrates the return of Lord Rama and his family from exile, which was organized by his selfish stepmother so that her own son could become the ruler. Another version sticks to the legend about Lord Krishna, who defeated the demon king Narakasura.

Regardless of the diversity, the main idea of the festival is that the good overcame the evil, the light overcame the darkness, and hence so much joy and dazzling lights and fireworks. The festival carries deep religious, cultural, and social importance, fostering the principles of love, unity, and forgiveness among people.

Dates

Deepavali is a good chance to try such Indian delicacies as rice flour pancakes, green mung bean, sweets, and lentil cake. The dates vary each year, so the festival takes place between mid-September or October and early November. In 2024, it will take place on October 31.

More About Little India

Little India stands out as one of Singapore's most vibrant neighborhoods, showcasing a captivating fusion of the old and the new. Contemporary street art and trendy eateries coexist harmoniously with ancient temples and vendors offering an enticing array of spices, silk, and flowers. In this lively district, trends and traditions intertwine, making it a hub for stylish cafes, fashionable shops, and historic temples.