Deepavali 2026
· Singapore · Public holiday
Deepavali, also spelt Diwali, is the Hindu festival of lights. It celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Deepavali is gazetted as a Singapore public holiday and is the most important festival of the year for Singapore's Indian-Hindu community.
When is Deepavali?
Deepavali falls on the new-moon day (amavasya) of the Hindu lunisolar month of Kartik — typically in October or November on the Gregorian calendar. Singapore follows the South-Indian (Tamil) reckoning for the gazetted date.
Mythological background
In the South-Indian tradition observed by most of Singapore's Hindu community, Deepavali commemorates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura — the triumph of light over darkness. In the North-Indian tradition, the festival also marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile, as told in the Ramayana.
How Deepavali is celebrated
Devotees begin the day with an oil bath before dawn — a ritual cleansing — followed by visits to temples such as the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India and the Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown. Families decorate the entrance to their homes with kolam (also rangoli) — intricate floor designs made from coloured rice powder. Oil lamps (diya) are lit at home and at temples, giving the festival its name.
Festive sweets such as laddu, mysore pak and jalebi are shared with family and friends. Many wear new clothes; gold jewellery is traditionally given to brides and daughters.
Little India Deepavali Festival
Singapore's Little India along Serangoon Road is the visual heart of Deepavali. The Deepavali Light-Up illuminates Serangoon Road, Race Course Road and Campbell Lane for four to six weeks around the festival. The Deepavali Festival Village in the open ground at Campbell Lane / Hastings Road runs a multi-week bazaar with food, sweets, garlands and traditional clothing.
Frequently asked questions about Deepavali
Is Deepavali the same as Diwali?
Yes — 'Deepavali' is the older Sanskrit form, used in South India and Singapore. 'Diwali' is the shortened form more common in North India.
What is a kolam?
A kolam is a traditional floor decoration drawn at the entrance of homes during Deepavali, made from coloured rice powder, flour or flower petals. The design is auspicious and welcomes guests and the goddess Lakshmi.
Why are oil lamps lit?
The diya — small oil lamp — symbolises the light of knowledge and the triumph over darkness. The name 'Deepavali' literally means 'row of lamps'.
Key dates for Deepavali in Singapore
| Year | Date | Day of week |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this page) | 08 Nov 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | 28 Oct 2027 | Thursday |