Deepavali 2025 in Singapore is set to shine brighter than ever as the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special edition of its much-loved Deepavali Open House. From 27 September to 19 October 2025, you can look forward to four weekends of cultural experiences, festive workshops, performances, and even IHC’s first-ever after-hours programme!
This year’s theme highlights the significance of flowers in Indian culture, with vibrant floral displays, hands-on crafts, and activities that capture the spirit of the Festival of Lights. Whether you’re exploring Little India for the first time or returning with family and friends, the IHC Deepavali Open House 2025 promises something for everyone.
About the Indian Heritage Centre
Located in the heart of Little India, the Indian Heritage Centre is a cultural institution managed by the National Heritage Board (NHB). Since its opening in 2015, it has been a key hub for learning about the history, heritage, and traditions of Singapore’s South Asian communities.
Housed in a modern four-storey building, the Centre features permanent galleries, a special exhibition space, educational activity rooms, and community programmes. It also serves as a springboard for exploring the historic Little India precinct, making it the perfect destination during the Deepavali season.
Highlights of Deepavali Open House 2025
🌙 IHC After Dark: Special Night Programming
Date: 27 September & 4 October
Time: 6pm & 7pm
Venue: IHC Level 4 Gallery
Admission: Free
For the very first time, the Indian Heritage Centre will stay open after hours with a special programme, “Divine Tales – After Dark Drama in the Gallery.” This lively skit retells the story of Deepavali through music, dance, and festive traditions. At the preview, the actors were incredibly engaging, chatting with the audience, throwing in spontaneous moments, and even leaving the story on a cliffhanger! Now I’m even more curious to see how it all unfolds. Want to join me in catching the full performance?
🌸 Week 1 (27 – 28 September): Traditional Crafts & Night Opening
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Traditional Lamp Art Making Workshop
Date: 27 & 28 September | Time: 10.30am – 12pm | Fee: $20
Learn Tholu Bommalata, a traditional shadow puppet craft, and create your own glowing handmade lamp. -
IHC After Dark Opening Night
Date: 27 September evening will be filled with live performances and cultural showcases.
🌸 Week 2 (4 – 5 October): Food & Heritage Experiences
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Little India Festive Guided Tour & Banana Leaf Meal
Date: 4 October | Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm | Fee: $30
A guided walk through Little India’s flower stalls ending with a six-course floral-inspired banana leaf feast. -
Cooking with Chef Devagi: From Petals to Plate
Date: 5 October | Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm | Fee: $15
Discover how edible flowers enhance festive dishes like Banana Blossom Vadai and Carrot-Rose-Coconut Laddu. -
Deepavali Mural & Map
Date: 1 Oct – 11 Nov, Little India MRT | Free, open all day
Artist Jayesh Sachdev collaborates with seniors from Sunlove Active Aging to create a contemporary Deepavali mural.
🌸 Week 3 (11 – 12 October): Family-Friendly Activities
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The Story Behind Deepavali (Parent-Child Workshop)
Date: 11 October | Time: 2.30pm – 4.30pm | Fee: $20 (per parent-child pair)
Storytelling, songs, and activities to introduce children (ages 3–7) to the traditions of Deepavali. -
Deepavali Mural & Map continues at Little India MRT.
🌸 Ongoing Highlights (Across All 4 Weeks)
Visitors can enjoy these activities every weekend from 27 September – 19 October:
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Free Drop-in Crafts & Photo Booth – Create clay lotus ornaments, tealight holders, postcards.
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Festive Dress-Up Booth – Try vibrant Indian attire and garlands for festive photos.
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Cultural Flower Stall – Watch traditional fresh garlands being tied.
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Henna Art – Free designs on weekends, 12pm – 2pm.
Live Cultural Performances – Music and dance shows at IHC’s façade.
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Free Teatime Snacks – Murukku, masala chai, and rose syrup (weekends, 3–4pm).
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Festive Heritage Market – Handcrafted accessories, Indian fashion, festive bakes.
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Limited-Edition Deepavali Money Packets – Available while stocks last.
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Discover Deepavali Activity Booklet for Children – Puzzles, stickers, colouring activities (ages 4–12).
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Weekday Crafts – Lotus tealight workshops, 30 Sep – 17 Oct (Tue–Fri).
Deepavali is the Festival of Lights, and at the Indian Heritage Centre’s 10th Anniversary Open House, it’s also a festival of flowers, food, music, and family fun. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate one of Singapore’s most colourful traditions in the heart of Little India.
📍 Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
📅 Dates: 27 September – 19 October 2025
🎟 Admission: Free entry for most programmes; selected workshops require registration.
🔗 Register for programmes: ihc-programmes.peatix.com
