A street parade on 6 September will kick off this year’s 74-day Deepavali celebrations, organised by the Little India Shop Owners & Heritage Association (LISHA). Last held eight years ago, this year’s parade will feature 26 contingents, including a delegation from India, alongside cultural performances, music, and dance.
The parade will take place after the Serangoon Road Light Up is inaugurated by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, culminating with him boarding the Grand Float at 10 pm.
During the festivities, stretching from 6 September to 19 November, Little India is expected to draw five million visitors, with the opening day seeing full road closures and large crowds.
Events & Activities
Street Light Up
Date: 6 September to 9 November
Time: 7 pm to 12 am
Venue: Serangoon Road
A 2-kilometre stretch of Serangoon Road will be lit up for 64 days. The light-up would start at 7 pm and last till midnight daily. The main light up motif will be located near Campbell Lane.
Big Bus Tours
Dates: 12, 19 & 26 September; 3, 10, 17, 18, 19, 24 & 31 October; 7, 14 & 18 November
Time: 7 & 8 pm
Venue: Orchard & Serangoon Road
Commencing at Orchard Hotel, the tour will cover the key highlights of lighted up Little India, and conclude at Race Course Road, just outside Gayathri Restaurant. Each participant will receive a $5 voucher from the restaurant. Tickets at $10 per person.
Live Cooking Demo
Date: 13 September
Time: 3 to 5 pm
Venue: Campbell Lane
Celebrity chef Arifin will attempt to create a record for the Singapore Book of Records by cooking 60 different types of Briyani in 60 minutes. Members of the public can sample his Briyani.
Rangoli/Kolam Workshop
Date: 20 September
Time: 10 am to 12 pm & 2 to 4 pm
Place: Tekka Place Rooftop Pavilion
Participants will receive step-by-step guidance on constructing Rangoli or Kolam. Attendance is free but pre-registration is required to reserve a spot.
Festival Village
Date: 20 September to 19 October
Time: 7 pm to 12 am
Place: Campbell Lane
The Festival Village will feature a kaleidoscope of stalls offering traditional clothing, delectable snacks, intricate handicrafts, and festive decorations that are a showcase of the richness of Indian culture and heritage.
Saree & Dhoti Draping Workshop
Date: 27 September
Time: 11 am to 12 pm & 1 to 2 PM
Place: Tekka Place Rooftop Pavilion
Participants will get step-by-step guidance on how to drape a saree and dhoti. Attendance is free but pre-registration is required.
Decorating Of Public Transport
Date: 1 October
Time: 11 am
Place: Harbourfront MRT Station
For a period of six weeks, selected trains, buses and the walls and steps of Little India MRT Station will showcase the Deepavali light-up designs. The designs will also incorporate illustrations and write-ups explaining the concepts behind the designs. The designs will be officially launched by Senior Minister of State for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Law, Mr Murali Pillai at Harbourfront Station on 1 October. After the launch even, Mr Murali Pillai will take the train from Harbourfront Station to Little India station, where he will witness a cultural performance and art exhibition organised by SMRT.
Flower Tying Workshop
Date: 4 October
Time: 10 am to 12 pm & 2 pm to 4 pm
Place: Tekka Place Rooftop Pavilion
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this art form. Attendance is free. Pre-registration is required.
Treasure Hunt
Date: 11 October
Time: 10 am to 12 pm & 4 pm to 6 pm
Place: Tekka Place
To educate tourists and the public on Indian tradition as well as about Deepavali, two treasure hunts will be organised on 11 October. Around 25 pairs of people will move from stations across Little India, where they will receive clues and instructions. The fastest three pairs would win shopping vouchers worth $150, $100 and $50. Participation is free. Pre-registration is required.
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