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The Singapore Food Festival is back to satisfy your passion for great food. Marking its 25th edition are pop-up food events and workshops with top local chefs in a showcase of the best of Singapore’s cuisine.
The Singapore Food Festival is back to satisfy your passion for great food. Marking its 25th edition are pop-up food events and workshops with top local chefs in a showcase of the best of Singapore’s cuisine.
indulge in THE SENSES OF DEEPAVALI
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Smell the flowers. See the lights. Taste the traditions.
Known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali is one of the most important celebrations observed by Hindu communities around the world. It is traditionally associated with the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. It is a time of renewal, when families gather for prayers, visit loved ones, prepare festive food and welcome a new beginning.
In Singapore, Deepavali has been part of the country's multicultural calendar for generations and has been a public holiday since 1929. The celebration is especially visible in Little India, where historic streets fill with flower garlands, traditional clothing, festive sweets and illuminated arches.
Little India is more than a backdrop for the festivities. Its shops, markets and places of worship reflect the history of Singapore's Indian community and the traditions that continue to shape the neighbourhood. Follow this trail through Tekka Centre, Campbell Lane and Serangoon Road to discover Deepavali through its sights, scents, flavours and cultural experiences.
Follow the light. Discover the traditions. Experience Deepavali through the senses.
01 | SMELL THE FLOWERS
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Flowers play an important role in Indian and Hindu culture. During Deepavali, they are used in prayers, temple offerings and decorations, while garlands bring colour and fragrance to homes, businesses and the streets of Little India.
Did you know?
Flowers can carry auspicious meanings in Indian and Hindu traditions. White jasmine is often associated with purity, peace and spiritual focus during prayers, while yellow and orange marigolds are linked with positive energy and prosperity. Their fragrance and colour make them especially recognizable during festive preparations.
Jothi Store & Flower Shop
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Jothi Store & Flower Shop is one of Little India's best-known traditional flower and garland businesses. Established in the 1960s as a small shop on Campbell Lane, it first served the everyday needs of Singapore's Indian community. Its flower business later grew in response to demand for garlands used in nearby Hindu temples.
Today, the five-storey store is a familiar destination for fresh flowers, prayer items and festive essentials. During Deepavali, visitors may also find coloured rice used to create kolam, the intricate designs traditionally placed near entrances to welcome guests and mark the festival.
Address: 1 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209882
Nearest MRT Station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Website: https://www.jothi.com.sg/
Anushia Flower Shop
Photo Credit: threebestrated.sg
For a smaller, more specialised flower-garland experience, visit Anushia Flower Shop. The National Heritage Board describes it as one of Singapore's few remaining local flower garland makers. Its owner, R. Jayaselvam, is known for preserving traditional flower-tying skills and sharing the craft through workshops and everyday interactions with customers.
Address: 55 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219179
Nearest MRT Station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Website:https://www.anushiaflower.sg/
Look out for more flower shops
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Other shops along the route include Sakthi Sangeetha at 66 Serangoon Road, Udhayaa Flowers at 131 Serangoon Road and Omsivasakthi Flower & Trading at 18 Buffalo Road.
Garlands are often displayed outside or arranged across storefronts, giving visitors a close look at the flowers, colours and patterns before they are taken away for worship or decoration.
02 | DISCOVER THE HERITAGE BEHIND DEEPAVALI
Indian Heritage Centre
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Opened in 2015, the Indian Heritage Centre traces the history of Indian and South Asian communities in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Its galleries explore migration, faith, traditions, community life and the contributions of Indian pioneers through artefacts, photographs and personal stories.
Even the building offers a cultural reference: its contemporary façade draws inspiration from the baoli, or Indian stepwell. A visit provides context for the traditions you will encounter along the trail, from clothing and food to flower offerings and religious practices.
Address: 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
Nearest MRT Station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Website: https://www.indianheritage.gov.sg/en
Explore the Deepavali Festival Village
Photo Credit: Lisha
Step into the heart of Singapore’s Deepavali celebrations at the Deepavali Festival Village along Campbell Lane in Little India. Wander through rows of festive stalls selling traditional Indian clothing, accessories, decorations and sweet treats, or sample local Indian snacks as you explore.
Look out for the colourful street decorations and festive lights that transform the area into a lively celebration of the Festival of Lights. Whether you’re searching for unique souvenirs, trying traditional delicacies or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this is a great place to experience Deepavali through the sights, sounds and flavours of Little India.
Address: Campbell Lane
Dates: 10 Oct – 8 Nov 2026
Time: 7.00PM
Nearest MRT Station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Look down: discover kolam
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
During your Deepavali visit, look out for colourful kolam designs decorating entrances and public spaces around Little India. Traditionally created using coloured rice flour or grains, these intricate patterns range from simple geometric shapes to elaborate designs featuring flowers, birds and lamps. Keep an eye out for kolam displays and festive activities where you can admire this beautiful art form up close!
DID YOU KNOW?
Kolam designs are traditionally placed near entrances to welcome guests and symbolise auspiciousness. During Deepavali, they take on special significance as families decorate their homes to celebrate new beginnings and welcome prosperity and good fortune.
TRY HENNA:darshani's henna art
Photo Credit: Firman Dasmir
For a wearable keepsake from your Deepavali visit, stop by Darshini’s Henna Art to get your hands adorned with intricate henna designs. Whether you prefer delicate floral patterns or more detailed motifs, henna art offers a beautiful way to experience a tradition closely associated with festive celebrations.
DID YOU KNOW?
Henna art, also known as mehndi, is a temporary form of body art made using natural dye from the henna plant. Traditionally applied to the hands and feet for celebrations, it is associated with good fortune, prosperity and joy. During Deepavali, additional henna artists may also set up stalls around the Festival Village, so check the latest event information for current locations and availability.
Address: 67A Serangoon Road, Singapore
Nearest MRT station: Little India MRT (NE7/DT12)
03 | SEE THE COLOURS OF TRADITION
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
One of the best ways to experience Deepavali is to discover the colorful traditional outfits worn during the celebrations. Wearing new clothes symbolizes a fresh beginning, and the styles vary across India’s diverse communities and regions.
Women may wear a sari, an elegant length of fabric draped around the body, or a salwar kameez, also known as a Punjabi suit. Men may opt for a kurta, a long tunic paired with trousers, or a dhoti or veshti, a traditional cloth wrapped around the waist and legs. Look out for festive details such as intricate embroidery, shimmering sequins, colorful borders and traditional jewelry that bring each outfit to life.
DID YOU KNOW?
In many Indian traditions, wearing new clothes during Deepavali represents leaving the past behind and welcoming a fresh start. The colours and styles can also reflect regional traditions, family customs and personal preferences, making festive clothing a celebration of India’s rich cultural diversity.
Little India Arcade
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Begin at Little India Arcade, a row of conserved shophouses filled with traditional Indian businesses. Browse stores such as Colours Boutique and Singapore Indian Handloom for clothing, fabrics and accessories. If you do not want to purchase a complete outfit, look for smaller pieces such as bangles, scarves and jewelry.
The arcade itself is part of the experience: its conserved shophouses and concentration of traditional businesses offer a glimpse of the commercial character that has long shaped Little India.
Address: 48 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217959
Nearest MRT Station: Little India (NE7/DT12) or Rochor (DT13)
Website: https://littleindiaarcade.com.sg/
Haniffa Textiles
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Founded in 1962 by O. K. Mohamed Haniffa, this long-established textile business began as a small roadside stall along Campbell Lane. Its Serangoon Road outlet is known for its extensive range of textiles, including silk saris and fabrics such as cotton, Banarasi, georgette and netted styles.
For visitors unfamiliar with Indian clothing, take a closer look at the variety within a sari, from the weight and texture of the fabric to the embroidery, borders and colours.
Address: 60 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217967
Nearest MRT Station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Website: https://haniffa.com.sg/
Dakshaini Silks
Photo Credit: The Straights Times
Founded by Rani Kumar in 1992, Dakshaini Silks is a family-run Indian fashion business specialising in traditional clothing, including saris, kurtas and Punjabi suits. Tailoring and personalised services are available for customers looking for a particular fit or style.
The shop offers a useful opportunity to learn about different fabrics and styles, especially for visitors exploring Indian clothing for the first time. It also carries traditional jewellery.
Address: 121A Serangoon Road, Level 2, Singapore 218026
Nearest MRT Station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Website: https://www.dakshainisilks.com/
Take home a little tradition
You do not have to purchase a complete outfit to take something meaningful home. A dupatta, scarf, pair of bangles, piece of jewellery or small textile accessory can be an easy keepsake. Take a moment to notice the fabric, embroidery, zari borders and craftsmanship that make festive clothing distinctive.
04 | TASTE THE FESTIVITIES
Tekka Centre
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Start this part of the trail at Tekka Centre, a lively neighbourhood market with roots tracing back to the original Tekka Market, built in 1915. Today, it brings together fresh produce, spices, meat, seafood and cooked food, making it a useful stop to experience another side of everyday life in Little India.
Take time to explore the market's food stalls and notice the variety of ingredients used in Indian cooking. The surrounding streets are also lined with traditional businesses, including flower shops, textile stores, restaurants and goldsmiths. While the market is not exclusively associated with Deepavali, it offers a glimpse into the food culture and neighbourhood activity that continue throughout the festive season.
Address: 665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665
Nearest MRT Station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Little India Arcade — Discover Deepavali Sweets and Snacks
Photo Credit: Yogendra Banjare
Exploring Little India during Deepavali is the perfect opportunity to discover the traditional sweets and savoury snacks enjoyed during the festival. From murukku, a crisp spiral snack, and thattai, a crunchy rice-flour cracker, to sweet favorites like adhirasam, laddu, milk barfi and flower-shaped achu murukku, there is a variety of local treats to tempt your taste buds.
Make a stop at Little India Arcade, where you can browse shops selling traditional Indian sweets and savory snacks under one roof. Pick up a selection to sample as you explore the neighborhood or bring home as edible souvenirs for friends and family.
DID YOU KNOW?
Many traditional Deepavali treats are made using ingredients such as rice flour, lentils, jaggery and ghee. Murukku gets its signature spiral shape by pressing dough through a special mould before frying it until crisp, while adhirasam combines rice flour and jaggery for a rich, caramel-like flavour. Achu murukku gets its distinctive flower shape from a patterned mould used during frying. These recipes have been passed down through generations, with ingredients and preparation methods varying between families and regions.
Address: 48 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217959
Nearest MRT station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Website: https://littleindiaarcade.com.sg/
Moghul Sweet Shop — Pick Up Traditional Indian Sweets
Photo Credit: sgopenrice
Specialising in mithai, Moghul Sweet Shop is a stop for traditional Indian sweets such as gulab jamun, jalebi and barfi. Pick up a small selection to sample as you explore Little India or pack as a gift for family and friends.
Address: 48 Serangoon Road, #01-16, Singapore 217959
Nearest MRT station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Website: https://www.moghulsweets.com/
Ganesan Villas Sweets & Savouries
Photo Credit: Ganesan Villas Sweets and Savouries
Known for Indian sweets and savoury snacks, Ganesan Villas Sweets & Savouries is another place to look for laddu and other traditional treats. It is a convenient addition to your food stops, especially if you want to sample a wider range of flavours.
Address: 48 Serangoon Road, #01-08, Singapore 217959
Nearest MRT station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
King snacks
Photo Credit: king Snacks
Located within Little India Arcade, King Snacks is another stop for visitors who want to browse more Indian sweets and snacks without leaving the complex. Look out for familiar favourites as well as varieties you may not have tried before.
Address: 48 Serangoon Road, #01-12, Singapore 217959
Nearest MRT station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Website:https://www.facebook.com/kingsnacksbiz/
Ananda Bhavan — Look for Vegetarian Indian Snacks
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
Ananda Bhavan is a long-established vegetarian Indian food business offering South Indian dishes, snacks and sweets. It is another option for visitors looking for savoury treats such as murukku while exploring the area.
Address: 95 Syed Alwi Road
Nearest MRT station: Farrer Park (NE8)
TIP: Ask shopkeepers what has been freshly prepared that day, as seasonal varieties and availability can change during the festival period. These treats are easy to carry and share, offering a simple way to take the taste of Deepavali home.
05 | EXPERIENCE THE SPIRITUAL SIDE
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
One of Singapore's oldest Hindu temples, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple was founded by Tamil pioneer workers who looked to the goddess Kali for protection, prosperity, health and knowledge. Dedicated to Kali, a powerful form of the goddess associated with the destruction of evil, the temple offers a meaningful point of reflection on Deepavali's themes of good overcoming evil.
Look up at the colorful gopuram, or entrance tower, covered with detailed sculptures of Hindu deities. Inside, the ornate architecture, shrines and devotional atmosphere offer a contrast to the busy streets outside.
Address: 141 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218042
Nearest MRT station: Little India (NE7/DT12)
Website: https://www.srivkt.org/
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Built in 1855 and gazetted as a National Monument in 1978, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Sri Srinivasa. Additional shrines are dedicated to Lakshmi, Andal and Garuda. Its colorful gopuram is a recognisable landmark along Serangoon Road, and the temple is included in official Little India heritage routes.
Take time to appreciate the sculptural details and learn about the deities represented throughout the temple.
Address: 397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123
Nearest MRT station: Farrer Park (NE8)
Website: https://sspt.org.sg/
Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
For visitors willing to travel beyond Little India, Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple offers another way to experience Hindu worship. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, it is managed by the Chettiars' Temple Society, which also oversees Sri Thendayuthapani Temple at Tank Road.
The temple's official 2026 events calendar lists a special Deeparathanai at 6.30am on Deepavali, Sunday, 8 November 2026. Deeparathanai is a ceremonial offering of light during worship. Check the temple's latest timings before setting out, as prayer schedules may change during festivals.
Address: 73 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089167
Nearest MRT station: Outram Park (EW16/NE3); Maxwell (TE18) is another option
Website: https://sttemple.com/plan-a-visit
Temple Etiquette — Visit with Respect
These are active places of worship, not simply heritage attractions. Dress modestly, remove your shoes where required and follow signs or instructions from temple staff. Allow worshippers to pray without interruption, and ask before photographing people, ceremonies or religious rituals. Avoid using flash if photography is permitted. Temples may be particularly busy during Deepavali, so be prepared for crowds and give worshippers priority.
06 | SEE LITTLE INDIA LIGHT UP
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Photo Credit: Singapore Tourism Board
As the sun sets, colorful decorations and illuminated arches transform Little India's streets, heritage buildings and businesses into a dazzling centerpiece of the festival. The light-up is a fitting finale to the trail, bringing together the sights, scents, flavors and traditions discovered along the way.
Make your way towards Serangoon Road and Race Course Road, identified as key areas for Little India's iconic Deepavali street light-up. Walk along the route and take in the changing atmosphere as the neighborhood becomes busier after sunset.
Stop to photograph the illuminated arches, colorful shopfronts and festive details, but leave enough time to simply walk through the neighborhood and experience the celebration. Check the latest official information for the current year's light-up dates and timings before visiting.
Address: Along Serangoon Road and Race Course Road, Little India, Singapore
Nearest MRT station: Little India (NE7/DT12); Farrer Park (NE8) may be more convenient for some sections of Race Course Road
Website: https://www.visitsingapore.com/whats-happening/all-happenings/festivals/deepavali/
Additional event information: https://deepavali.sg/public/events
EXPERIENCE DEEPAVALI THROUGH THE SENSES
By the time the lights come on, you will have seen a different side of Little India. Beyond the illuminated arches, the neighbourhood is a place where traditions remain part of everyday life: flower garlands prepared for prayer, sweets made for sharing, textiles worn for the celebration and temples where families gather to worship.
Deepavali is more than a festival to watch. It is an invitation to explore one of Singapore's most vibrant cultural neighbourhoods and discover the stories behind its celebrations.
🪔 SEE, SMELL, TASTE & EXPERIENCE DEEPAVALI
Event dates, light-up schedules, community activities and participating businesses are subject to change. Check individual venue and event information before visiting.