Looking to travel during Diwali 2024 but not miss out on the celebrations? Then look no further than Singapore. Home to a thriving Indian diaspora, Diwali 2024 celebrations in Singapore, particularly Little India, are sure to be lit. The streets come alive with dazzling decorations, golden lights, the scent of fresh flowers and incense, and bazaars filled with treats and trinkets.
Deepavali in Singapore offers a unique blend of tradition and modern charm. If you're visiting this season, here’s our guide to experiencing Little India’s Diwali 2024 celebrations, running until mid-next month.
The centrepiece of Diwali 2024 in Little India is the breathtaking light-up along Serangoon Road, an experience you simply cannot miss. Imagine this: twinkling illuminated designs of deities and diyas, stretching as far as the eye can see. For an even more magnificent view, hop on a Deepavali Light-Up Tour aboard an open-top bus: 45 minutes of viewing the sparkling lights along Serangoon and Race Course Roads up close and personal, from the best seat in the house. Whether young or young at heart, this stunning display is sure to delight., The theme this year centres on family, heritage, and togetherness.
Picture yourself strolling through the bustling streets, surrounded by the dazzling displays of the Festival Village at Campbell Lane. Here, a kaleidoscope of colourful apparel, festive decorations, and traditional treats beckons, creating a true shopping paradise for festive treasures. Fair warning: it’s an electric atmosphere because of just how many families flock to this Festival Village each year to feast and shop up a festive storm. Just a short walk away, the Mustafa Centre awaits, a six-story mall once a makeshift shop selling food back in 1965, now brimming with everything you could possibly think of, even gold jewellery, making it a treasure trove waiting to be explored!
True foodies would already know that Little India is a veritable culinary wonderland—and a reminder that food truly is a love language that transcends words. Step into Tekka Centre; here, the over 50 authentic Indian eateries will leave you asking: What do I try? Our expert advice is, of course, to try them all, hardly challenging considering the rich aromas of biryani, thosai, and sweet treats like jalebi and gulab jamun, a delicious street food adventure made for you. And even if you’re already bursting at the seams after all that food, don’t miss the chance to stop by Moghul Sweets, Singapore’s oldest Indian sweet shop started in 1996, where recipes passed down from generations are neatly packed into delightful barfis and other sugary treats to satisfy your meetha cravings.
Beyond its vibrant food and festivities, Little India serves as a captivating window into the rich history and culture of the Indian-Singaporean community. At the heart of this heritage is the Indian Heritage Centre , a majestic beacon inviting visitors to explore its myriad stories. As you step inside, five galleries reveal a treasure trove of heirlooms, artefacts, and family photographs from Singapore’s illustrious early Indian forefathers, intricately weaving together the colourful tapestry of the community’s past and showcasing its invaluable contributions to Singapore.
Just a stone's throw away is the stunning Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, its six-story structure gracefully illuminating Serangoon Road during this festival. As thousands of lamps flicker in unison, the temple creates a breathtaking spectacle that draws worshippers and admirers alike – an anchor of profound depth within the broader Little India festive experience.
Beyond the vibrant streets of Little India lies a treasure trove of cultural wonders, including the majestic Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown, Singapore’s biggest and oldest Hindu temple built in 1827. Nestled on South Bridge Road, this architectural marvel is renowned for its breathtaking painted ceilings and becomes a focal point of tradition and heritage during Deepavali, bathed in a sea of lights. In the days leading up to the festival, the temple comes alive with Theemithi, the awe-inspiring Fire Walking Ceremony that showcases vibrant rituals and the rich tapestry of Indian customs.
Festive season vacations don’t need to only mean receiving FOMO video calls from parties back home - in Singapore, you can show them your own Little India Deepavali celebrations in return, too.