Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, and Little India is lit up from 3 October. Sources differ on the final night, with one listing 28 November and another 29 November, so check the organiser's announcement before building a plan around the last week.
The Ministry of Education's 2026 calendar lists Deepavali as a public holiday on Sunday 8 November. If you work on a weekday, check the Ministry of Manpower's holiday-in-lieu rules for the observed day, since this guide did not confirm it.
Key dates
| Item | Detail | Source note |
|---|---|---|
| Light-up ceremony | 3 October 2026, 6.30pm to 9.30pm | The New Age Parents round-up, 2 October 2026 |
| Light-up period | 3 October to 28 November (alternate listing: 29 November) | Sources differ by one day |
| Nightly lights | 7pm until midnight | The New Age Parents |
| Deepavali | Sunday 8 November 2026 | MOE public holiday calendar; both listings |
The nightly hours come from a parenting site's round-up and should be checked against the organiser. The light-up itself is a street display, so it is free to view in the sense that you do not need a ticket to walk the streets, but check the organiser for any ticketed activities.
What is on the programme
The New Age Parents round-up lists a Deepavali events line-up. One item is a recurring Saturday programme from 10 October to 28 November with sessions at 7pm and 8pm at S$12 per person, and additional dates in November. The listing's text is fragmentary and does not state what the programme is, so check the original page and the organiser before you quote it as a specific activity.
Elite Experiences, a local guide dated 23 September 2026, covers Hindu Endowments Board information and the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, with opening hours. The Hindu Endowments Board manages the Hindu temples in Singapore, and the temple's own page should be checked for hours, dress code and visitor rules before you go.
Where to go
Little India is the neighbourhood around Serangoon Road. The light-up covers its main streets, and the surrounding area has temples, shops and restaurants. The research did not find an official map of the 2026 light-up, so check the organiser for the exact streets that are decorated.
Temples
Visiting a temple is different from walking the streets. Check opening hours, whether shoes must be removed, dress expectations and whether photography is allowed. Do not assume the same rules apply at every temple. The Hindu Endowments Board is the official body to consult.
Food and shopping
Deepavali is a peak time for shopping in the area, with festive items, sweets and clothing. The research did not find a verified list of stalls or a bazaar for 2026, so check the organiser before planning a shopping trip. Set a budget in advance.
When to visit
The festival crowd is likely to be heaviest near Deepavali itself and on weekend evenings, but the research did not find crowd data, so treat this as an expectation. If you want a quieter walk, a weekday evening earlier in the light-up period is a reasonable choice. If you want the festive atmosphere, go closer to 8 November. Check whether any road closures apply on busy nights, since the research did not confirm them.
Getting there
Little India is served by a MRT station of the same name, which sits on the Downtown and North East lines. Check a journey planner for your route and for any service changes on busy nights. For a visit that finishes around midnight, check last-train times.
Respectful visiting
Little India is a living neighbourhood, and Deepavali is a religious festival for many people. A few common-sense points apply:
- Dress modestly, particularly if you plan to enter a temple.
- Ask before photographing people, particularly during prayers.
- Follow temple rules on footwear and quiet.
- Be considerate in crowded lanes, since many people use the area to get to events and home.
Who it suits
Families
Evening visits with children can work well, but crowded streets need supervision. Check stroller access and plan a meeting point in case you are separated.
Visitors
The light-up is an easy way to see a major Singapore festival without a ticket. Combine it with a food visit and a temple visit if time allows.
Photographers
Light displays are popular photo subjects, and busy evenings can make it hard to find space. Weekday evenings are likely to be easier, though this is not verified.
What to verify before publishing or visiting
- The final date of the light-up, since sources say 28 or 29 November.
- Whether any road closures or crowd-control measures apply.
- What the Saturday S$12 programme is.
- Temple opening hours and visitor rules.
- Any bazaar or market in the area.
- Holiday-in-lieu arrangements for 9 November, which were not checked here.
FAQs
When is Deepavali 2026?
Sunday 8 November 2026.
When does the Little India light-up start?
3 October 2026, with a ceremony from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
How long does it last?
Until 28 or 29 November, depending on the source.
Is it free?
The street light-up does not need a ticket, but check the organiser for ticketed programmes.
What time are the lights on?
One listing says 7pm until midnight.
Check the organiser's current announcement for the end date and any street closures, then plan an evening visit with a food stop and respect for temple customs.
