The Festival of Lights returns to Singapore this year with even more brilliance and cultural splendour. The Singapore Diwali Festival 2025 promises to be an extraordinary celebration filled with dazzling street illuminations, traditional bazaars, captivating performances, and family-friendly activities that will enchant locals and visitors alike throughout October.

When is Diwali in Singapore This Year?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, falls on Monday, 20 October 2025, which is a gazetted public holiday in Singapore. The festivities, however, extend far beyond a single day, with celebrations beginning in early September and continuing through early November. This extended timeline allows everyone to immerse themselves fully in the cultural richness of the festival whilst enjoying the myriad events organised across the island.

Little India Street Light-Up: A Visual Spectacle

The crown jewel of the Singapore Diwali Festival 2025 is undoubtedly the Little India street light-up, which commenced on 6 September 2025 and will continue illuminating Serangoon Road and Race Course Road until 9 November 2025. Every evening from 7 pm to midnight on weekdays, and extending until 1 am on weekends, the streets transform into a magical wonderland adorned with thousands of colourful LED installations.

This year’s decorations feature intricate motifs inspired by traditional Indian artistry, including peacocks with their resplendent plumage, glowing oil lamps known as diyas, lotus flowers symbolising purity and enlightenment, and figures from Hindu mythology. The archways and overhead installations create immersive pathways that blend traditional symbolism with cutting-edge technology, offering visitors an unforgettable sensory experience that bridges past and present.

Utsavam Street Parade: A Grand Opening Celebration

The official launch of the Singapore Diwali Festival 2025 took place on 6 September with the spectacular Utsavam Street Parade along Serangoon Road. This vibrant procession, held from 6:30 pm to 10 pm, featured traditional dancers adorned in silk and sequins, musicians playing classical Indian instruments, and elaborate cultural floats that narrated ancient tales of heroism, righteousness, and hope.

Local schools, community groups, and professional artists came together to create a magnificent mosaic of performances that showcased Singapore’s multicultural identity. The parade served not only as entertainment but also as a powerful symbol of unity, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness that lies at the heart of Diwali.

Deepavali Festival Village and Bazaars

Running from 20 September to 19 October 2025, the Deepavali Festival Village along Serangoon Road operates nightly from 7 pm to midnight. This bustling marketplace offers visitors a sensory feast with stalls overflowing with festive treasures. Shoppers can browse through exquisite ethnic Indian wear including vibrant sarees, elegant kurtas, and ornate lehengas adorned with golden embroidery and colourful threads.

The bazaar along Campbell Lane and Hastings Road extends the shopping experience with a spectacular array of jewellery ranging from opulent bangles and earrings to contemporary minimalist pieces. Food enthusiasts will delight in authentic Indian sweets such as laddu, jalebi, and murukku, alongside savoury snacks like samosas, dosas, and biryani. Traditional decorations including rangoli powders, diyas, and fresh flower garlands enable families to bring the festival’s spirit into their homes.

Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House

From 27 September to 19 October 2025, the Indian Heritage Centre hosts its annual Deepavali Open House across four festive weekends. This year’s celebration embraces a floral theme, inspired by the colours and beauty of flowers that hold special significance in Indian culture. Visitors enjoy free museum entry, with extended operating hours until 8 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Open House features an exciting lineup of activities for all ages. Families can participate in drop-in craft activities including creating clay lotus hanging ornaments inspired by traditional Gond art, decorating floral tealight holders with mirrors and dots, and designing personalised Diwali postcards. Children can enjoy colouring sheets whilst adults browse the festive market showcasing handcrafted accessories, Indian fashion, and festive baked goods.

Cultural flower stalls demonstrate traditional garland-tying techniques, whilst free henna art sessions allow visitors to adorn their hands with beautiful temporary designs. The Centre also presents outdoor cultural performances featuring music and dance, including special evening programming under the stars. Complimentary festive snacks such as murukku, masala chai, and iced rose syrup are distributed whilst stocks last.

Singapore Discovery Centre: Illam Aglow

The Singapore Discovery Centre presents “Illam Aglow – Where the Light Lives” running until 26 October 2025. The Tamil word “illam” means home, reflecting the intimate, family-centred nature of this celebration. The programme includes dance and music performances representing various cultures, hands-on activities like pulli kolam and garland making, and traditional Indian games that encourage friendly competition.

Visitors can embark on an educational trail learning fascinating facts about Diwali traditions, and enjoy complimentary henna tattoos featuring their favourite designs. The Centre has even arranged free shuttle bus services on 18 and 19 October to make the festivities more accessible to families.

Sentosa Sensoryscape: A Mandala Wonderland

From 9 to 26 October 2025, Sentosa Sensoryscape transforms into an immersive Diwali celebration featuring interactive and colourful rangoli and mandala designs. The highlight is a stunning 7.5-metre mandala installation that radiates beauty and cultural significance. By day, the space bursts with intricate displays and floral arrangements, whilst at night it becomes a luminous wonderland perfect for capturing memorable family photographs.

Shaabaz Deepavali Fest at Singapore Expo

For dedicated shoppers, the Shaabaz Deepavali Fest takes place at Singapore Expo from 9 to 12 October 2025. This large-scale shopping festival features the first-ever “Pink Carpet” concept, offering extensive selections of retail goods, cosmetics, fashion, jewellery, home décor, and lifestyle products under one roof.

Temple Celebrations and Spiritual Observances

Singapore’s Hindu temples become radiant sanctuaries throughout the Singapore Diwali Festival 2025. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India welcome thousands of devotees and visitors who come to offer prayers, participate in pujas, and observe religious ceremonies. The temples’ facades glow with decorative lights, and their interiors resonate with the sounds of bells and devotional hymns, deepening the spiritual atmosphere of the festival.

The Thimithi firewalking ceremony, held approximately one week before Diwali at Sri Mariamman Temple, offers those seeking a more solemn spiritual experience the opportunity to witness this deeply meaningful ritual honouring female deities.

Istana Open House

Whilst the specific date for the Diwali Istana Open House 2025 has yet to be confirmed, it traditionally takes place around the festival period. The Istana grounds open to the public, offering guided heritage tours, cultural performances, family-friendly activities, and food stalls. This rare opportunity allows visitors to explore Singapore’s presidential palace and its beautifully manicured gardens whilst celebrating the Festival of Lights.

The Meaning Behind the Celebration

The Singapore Diwali Festival 2025 commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival honours the return of Lord Rama to his throne after defeating the demon king Ravana, with the tradition of lighting oil lamps symbolising the victory of righteousness. For Singapore’s multicultural society, Diwali represents not only a celebration of Hindu heritage but also an inclusive invitation for all communities to embrace hope, renewal, and fresh beginnings.

Whether you’re admiring the brilliant street lights in Little India, shopping at festive bazaars, participating in cultural workshops, or simply soaking in the joyous atmosphere, the Singapore Diwali Festival 2025 offers countless opportunities to celebrate this magnificent festival of lights with family and friends.