Deepavali in Singapore
Deepavali, also called Diwali, is a major festival celebrated by Hindus and by some Sikhs and Jains in Singapore. It is also one of Singapore’s gazetted public holidays, while its home rituals and public festivities bring activity to neighbourhoods such as Little India.[1][2]
Meaning and Singapore’s observance
The name Deepavali means “a row of lights,” referring to the lamps lit for the festival. Across its different religious traditions, the festival is commonly associated with the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The stories and significance connected with it vary among communities.[1]
Singapore’s National Heritage Board records Deepavali as an annual public holiday since 1929. The festival is celebrated by Hindus, as well as Indians of other religions, including Sikhs and Jains; particular customs and their meanings can differ between religious communities.[1]
Home customs and festive food
Preparations can begin weeks in advance. Families may clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes and prepare sweet and savoury snacks. At doorways, some households place small clay oil lamps called diyas and make rangoli, also known as kolam, patterns with coloured rice powder or rice grains.[1]
On the festival morning, a custom described by the National Heritage Board among Hindus is to rise early for an oil bath. Family prayers or puja may follow, and younger relatives may seek elders’ blessings. People may wear new clothes, and families share festive foods. The Heritage Board lists mithai, adhirasam, murukku and vada as examples; practices differ across households and communities.[1]
Little India’s public festivities
Little India is a focal point for festive shopping and public celebrations. In the weeks before Deepavali, bazaars may sell clothing, decorations and snacks, while Serangoon Road is usually lit with festive displays. The light-up and bazaars are public festivities that people beyond the communities celebrating the holiday can enjoy.[1]
These celebrations are part of Singapore’s local observance, alongside household and religious practices. The National Heritage Board describes temple visits and prayers as part of Deepavali in Singapore, while the festival’s preparations also bring people to Little India’s shops and bazaars.[1]
Public holiday and planning
Deepavali is among the 11 gazetted public holidays listed by Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower. Employees covered by the Employment Act are generally entitled to 11 paid public holidays a year. If a holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the next working day is a paid public holiday; if it falls on a non-working day, the entitlement is another day off or one extra day’s salary in lieu. Employees outside the Act’s coverage follow their employment-contract terms.[2]
The holiday’s public status does not establish the opening hours of every office, bank, shop or service. Little India’s bazaars and festive activity are concentrated around the celebration, but visitors should check the hours of specific businesses and services and plan their journeys around the area’s events.[1][2]
Frequently asked questions
Is Deepavali a public holiday in Singapore?
Yes. It is one of Singapore’s 11 gazetted public holidays. Employment Act coverage and the terms for employees outside that coverage determine the applicable entitlement.[2]
What does the name Deepavali mean?
Do employees get another day off when Deepavali falls on Sunday?
If Sunday is the employee’s rest day, the next working day is a paid public holiday. If the employee is not covered by the Employment Act, their contract terms apply.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Deepavali in Singapore:
- Deepavali- National Heritage Board, Singapore
- Public holidays: entitlement and pay- Ministry of Manpower, Singapore
- Public holidays- Ministry of Manpower, Singapore