Deepavali 2017: Places to go and things to do

Every year, 800 million people around the world come together to celebrate Deepavali, also known as Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. In this article, we bring to you a few fun facts about Deepavali, and round up a list of places to go and things to do for your Deepavali 2017 celebrations! (Cover image credits)

Fun facts about Deepavali

Whilst the date of Deepavali is determined by the Hindu lunar calendar, Deepavali isn’t just celebrated by Hindus. The Sikhs also commemorate this day, as it marks the release of Hargobind Sahibji (the sixth of the ten Gurus of Sikhism) who was held captive by the mogul emperor Shah Jahan.

Apart from being a national holiday in Singapore and India, Deepavali is also conferred this status in Trinidad & Tobago, Myanmar, Nepal, Mauritius, Guyana, Surinam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Fiji.

Deepavali is celebrated with firecrackers, and the total cost of firecrackers exploded around the world is estimated to be in the vicinity of one billion dollars. (That’s a lot of firecrackers!)

Deepavali 2017: Places to go

#1: Deepavali Festival Village

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Hastings Road has been turned into a pedestrian-only street for more than a month now. Drop by between 11am till 10pm to soak up the infectious atmosphere, and check out the bazaar stalls which sell everything from festive snacks (such as our favourite murukku!), to flower garlands, to jewellery and trinkets. You can also get henna painted on your hands here!

Address: Campbell Lane and Hastings Road

#2: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

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If you’ve never been inside a Hindu temple, now’s your chance. In particular, we recommend visiting the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India – this is one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples, and it’s dedicated to the goddess and destroyer of evil, Sri Veeramakaliamman.

Address: 141 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218042, Singapore

#3: The Istana

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President Halimah Yacob will host her first Istana open house on 22nd October 2017 in celebration of Deepavali.

Fees of S$2 to S$10 will be charged for guided tours and to enter the Istana main building. The Istana grounds will be open to the public from 8.30am to 6pm. 

Address: Orchard Road, Singapore 238823

Deepavali 2017: Things to do

#1: Singapore Philatelic Museum Deepavali Open House

Pop by the Philatelic Museum on 18th October 2017 to experience fun Deepavali-themed activities such as making Rangoli sand art, taking part in an Indian culture quiz, creating your own Deepavali-inspired stamps, and more. To make a day of it, check out the various exhibitions (non Deepavali related!) whilst you’re there.

#2: Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House

On 17th October, there’s the Let’s Light Up Little India programme, a guided tour, and free snacks. On 18th October, there’s henna art and rangoli activities, a guided tour, and a heritage trail. The best part? Admission is free for everyone! Check out Indian Heritage Centre’s Facebook page for more details.

Regardless of whether you’re Hindu, Deepavali is a great time to surround yourself with friends and family and indulge in yummy Indian food. Have a blast!