Celebrated around the world, Deepavali—or the Festival of Lights—is the biggest event on the Hindu calendar. In Singapore, homes are lit with small oil lamps (diyas) are lit and the entranceways decorated with rangoli—elaborate motifs drawn using coloured rice or dry flour.

Even if your family does not celebrate the festival, Deepavali could still be a day for the family to learn about our fellow citizens’ cultural traditions. Head down to Little India with the family on this public holiday for a cultural exploration.

Go on an “Insta-walk” of Little India  

Little India during Deepavali is the most radiant and colourful as you will ever see it this time of the year. Get off at Little India MRT and go on an “Insta-walk” of the area than during Deepavali! Head to the various photo points between Serangoon Road and Kinta Road to snap Instagram-worthy shots for your account.

Don’t forget to check out the colourful baby elephant statues near Clive Street. Use the hashtags #sgdeepavali and #instawalk and check out other colourful pictures other people have taken. 

Check out the #InstaWalk With MND Singapore video below for some inspiration

Tuck into Indian Food

Little India is a home to many good restaurants serving up scrumptious North and South Indian dishes. Pit stops at the eateries are a must when visiting the area.  One of the must-tries on the list is Banana Leaf Apolo’s fish-head curry.

Over at 34 Race Course Road is Jaggi’s, where regulars go for the chicken tikka, mutton curry, and dahls among other highlights. If you fancy vegetarian, try Murugan Idli for their South Indian vegetarian cuisine 

Check out the Deepavali Festival Market 

Just like the Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar, browsing the Deepavali Festival Market is a fun way for the family to explore and learn more about the Indian culture and community.  Located at Campbell Lane and Hastings Road, the bazaar is a bustling hive of activity selling a wide range of wares from decorative items and trinkets to traditional snacks such as muruku and gulab jamun.

If you like this, be sure to check out Little India Arcade, opposite Tekka Centre. Housed in a 1920s shophouse building are numerous stalls hawking everything from fashion and jewellery to handicrafts and gifts.

Visit the India Heritage Centre

Next the Little India Arcade at 5 Campbell Lane is the Indian Heritage Centre. Browse the collection of  artifacts, exhibits, and memorabilia and let the young ones learn about the Indian community in Singapore. For more information visit indianheritage.org.sg.