Deepavali

Deepavali is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival in Singapore, and it has enjoyed the status of a public holiday since 1929. Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a Hindu festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October - November). Deepavali is a portmanteau of two Tamil words - Deepam (lamp) and Avali (row), translating to “a row of lights.” Known as the Festival of Lights, it is marked by the lighting of traditional oil lamps and, lately, the use of electric lights. The festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil, with various mythologies about its origins. One popular story recounts Lord Krishna's defeat of the demon king Narakasura, who represented darkness. Before his death, Narakasura requested that his death anniversary be celebrated with lights and colours, leading to the festival also being known as Naraka Chaturdashi. 

Another tale links Deepavali to the return of Rama, the hero of the great Indian epic of Ramayana, to his capital, Ayodhya, after defeating King Ravana of Sri Lanka. His subjects welcomed him with lamps and fireworks, inspiring popular Deepavali traditions. As Deepavali is celebrated by various Hindu communities in multiple ways, practices are not uniform. The Tamils in Singapore adopted many customs from Tamil Nadu, but even these are changing over time. Traditionally, the day begins with an oil bath, symbolic of self-purification and new beginnings, followed by wearing new traditional clothes. Homes are adorned with kolams (rice powder art), and families gather to share meals and exchange homemade snacks. Extended family members usually gather at the home of the eldest member to celebrate the day together. It is also customary to visit each other’s homes on or after Deepavali day, though this practice is shrinking as busy urban life leaves little free time. In Singapore, Deepavali is the occasion when non-Indian friends are invited home to celebrate the festival. The firing of crackers, which was once common among Hindus on Deepavali day, and among the Chinese during Chinese New Year, has been banned in Singapore since 1970 due to safety reasons. 

Deepavali was first declared a public holiday by the colonial government in 1929 and remains so to this day. It is the only Indian festival which is accorded a public holiday. The focal point of public Deepavali celebrations is Little India. Streets are lit up with elaborate rows of arches with fluorescent lighting weeks before Deepavali, and the light-up, organised yearly since 1985, by the Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association (LISHA), is typically inaugurated by a Member of Parliament or a Minister. In addition, special bazaars open up to sell traditional goods and Deepavali snacks and sweetmeats. The Esplanade’s Kalaa Utsavam - Indian Festival of Arts takes place annually for a week around the Deepavali period. Since 2001, it has been featuring local and foreign Indian artistes from a variety of disciplines. Apart from Hindus, other communities also celebrate during the Deepavali period. Sikhs in Singapore gather at the different gurudwaras (temples) to celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas (prisoner release day), marking Guru Hargobind’s release from prison in 1619. Jains observe Deepavali as the anniversary of their 24th and last Tirthankara (saint) Mahavir’s moksha (liberation), with prayers and the lighting of lamps, honouring his teachings. In Singapore, Deepavali has evolved into a vibrant festival of lights, as well as a collective celebration of diverse cultures that reflect the nation’s rich multicultural spirit.



For more information 
“Deepavali.” Roots.sg. Accessed on 1 August 2025. https://www.roots.gov.sg/ich-landing/ich/deepavali
“Deepavali.” Singapore Infopedia. Accessed on 1 August 2025. https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/article-detail?cmsuuid=0a84fe1a-1222-4701-be17-1735a8a9af27

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The information in this article is valid as of August 2025 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. If you have any feedback on this article, please submit here.