(Photo: The Straits Times)

When you think of Deepavali in Singapore, the lights at Little India may come to mind. Every year, the neighbourhood hosts an elaborate light display to celebrate the occasion and “brighten” everyone’s mood. Whether you’re driving or walking through the historic district, the Deepavali light-up never fails to dazzle and delight.

This year’s display covers over 2km and centres on family. The main display, which features a family of 4 overlooking the street, is right next to Tekka Place, where Little India borders Rochor. This sets the stage for the rest of the journey through the light-up, reminding onlookers of the joy of togetherness that’s celebrated during the festival.

Address: Race Course Road
Opening hours: 7pm – midnight daily, from now to 17 November 2024

(Photo: Deepavali SG)

You’ve had an amazing time at Race Course Road, but now you’re not sure where to go next with all this festive energy. What’s next?

The answer lies just a few streets away. The Campbell Lane Deepavali Festival Village is a yearly bazaar that has everything under the Deepavali sun. From meticulously made traditional crafts to festive decorations and traditional snacks, the market is bustling with colourful stalls that will get your eyes popping.

Once you have everything you need to bring the cheer home, be sure to grab some classic Indian sweets and look out for one of the many performances planned. Depending on when you visit, you may get a chance to see a roadside Sitar performance live, a traditional Indian dance, or even a community art installation.

Address: Campbell Lane
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily, from now to 30 October
Website: deepavali.sg/deepavali-festival-village

(Photo: The Straits Times)

The Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) is the perfect place to learn about the various cultures from different parts of India. Every year, the centre organises an open house with an array of games, booths, and performances to celebrate the holiday. For the 2024 Deepavali Singapore show, you can get your fortune told by a parrot, receive a temporary henna tattoo, and even get delicious free snacks.

If you’re feeling partied out, IHC has peaceful spots where you can sit with your thoughts for a second. The permanent exhibition showcases the storied history of Indian Singaporeans through a collection of statues, carvings, and garments. The displays will take you through centuries of history, starting with the South and Southeast Indians of the 1st century CE and ending in modern-day Singapore.

📍 Address: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
⏰ Opening hours: 10am – 5.30pm daily, 5 to 27 October
📞 Contact: 6291 1601
🌐 Website: deepavaliopenhouse.peatix.com

(Photo: Singapore Walking Tours)

During the 2024 Deepavali period, the Singapore Expo will be home to one of the biggest shopping events of the year. The Mega India Expo will take place in the absolutely gigantic Hall 6A, hosting over 100 Indian brands as part of the Asian Village Festival. The festival is themed around cultural exchange, diversity, and harmony between Asian countries.

Not only that, but you’ll also get to browse through a huge collection of Indian jewellery, home decor, snacks, and even insurance! One of the highlights is the D’Ventures booth, where you can witness the journeys of religious figures and events like Jesus and Mawlid in a fully immersive VR experience.

📍 Address: Singapore Expo, Hall 6A, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150
⏰ Opening hours: 10am – 10pm daily, 3 to 6 October
🌐 Website: instagram.com/megaindiaexpo

(Photo: Zak Salaam)

Organised by Zak Trade Fairs, the Zaak Salaam Expo will feature over 200 booths from Singapore, India, the Middle East, and more.

But if you’ve already shopped till you dropped and hit your monthly retail limit, the expo also has a stage with many exciting programmes, including a biryani eating competition, a family cooking contest, and a performance by viral stand-up comedian Madurai Muthu.

📍 Address: Singapore Expo, Hall 6A, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150
⏰ Opening hours: 12.30pm – 10pm daily, 10 to 13 October
🌐 Website: zaksalaamindia.com

(Photo: Tiffin Room)

Raffles Hotel is a historic establishment that’s synonymous with Singapore’s colonial history. Lesser known, however, is the Tiffin Room, a North Indian restaurant that has been an integral part of the hotel’s dining offerings since 1892. The restaurant’s interior is beautifully restored to embody its legacy, so you’ll be sitting on bentwood chairs and dining on exquisite teak tables, just like the statesmen of old.

For the restaurant’s seasonal Diwali Experience menu, chef de cuisine Kuldeep Negi uses his experience to cook his way through North India. The 8-course meal is an epicurean journey through India itself, with courses inspired by various regions across the country. You’ll whet your appetite with Makai Matar Chaat (chutney mint snack) from the culturally rich region of Madhya Pradesh while munching on Erachi Ularthu (lamb chop) from the breezy tropical coasts of Kerala. It’s a culinary experience not to be missed!

📍 Address: Tiffin Room, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
⏰ Opening hours: 7pm – 10.30am | 12pm – 2pm | 6.30pm – 9.30pm, 20 October to 3 November
📞 Contact: 6337 1886
🍴 Halal status: Halal
🌐 Website: tiffinroom.com.sg

(Photo: The Esplanade)

Launched in 2002, Kalaa Utsava is a yearly festival dedicated to the glory of Indian arts. As Southeast Asia’s first and longest-running Indian arts festival, Kalaa Utsava boasts 5cutting-edge performances that are still rooted in traditions. Get ready to watch various art forms by the brightest talents in the region. Be it reinterpretations of folk classics or meditations on identity, no stone is left unturned in this showcase of some of the boldest performances you’ll see all year.

📍 Address: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
⏰ Opening hours: 6am – 2am daily, 15 to 24 November
📞 Contact: 6828 8377
🌐 Website: esplanade.com/whats-on/festivals-and-series/festivals/2024/kalaa-utsavam