Little India glowed with splendour last night as the Deepavali Light-Up & Utsavam 2025 was officially launched, marking one of Singapore’s most anticipated cultural celebrations. Organised grandly by the Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association (LISHA), this year’s festivities hold special significance as they honour both the Festival of Lights and Singapore’s 60th Anniversary. The theme for 2025, “Dance, Music, Celebration”, transformed 2 km of Serangoon Road into a radiant cultural canvas.
The street featured:
● 42 decorative arches
● Over 600,000 LED lights
● Colourful installations symbolising unity, hope, and renewal
Little India shone brighter than ever, inviting locals, tourists, and families to experience Deepavali in a truly magical atmosphere. The opening ceremony was graced by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who emphasised the importance of celebrating every festival as a multicultural Singaporean tradition.
Highlights included:
● Recognition of 20 community organisations
● Hindu temples and associations jointly raising $100,000 for the President’s Challenge, showcasing compassion and generosity
● A renewed celebration of unity in diversity The Grand Festival Parade Returns After several years, the highly anticipated street parade made a triumphant comeback.
● 700 performers
● From 25 cultural and community groups
● Participants ranged from 94-year-old seniors to 4-year-old children
● The President and dignitaries concluded the parade aboard a stunning peacock-themed float. The parade transformed Serangoon.
MAJOR PROGRAMMES & ACTIVITIES
The celebrations brought together a rich lineup of cultural, artistic, and interactive experiences.
1. Big Bus Tour – A Journey Through Light & Culture Organised by LISHA and supported by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the evening Big Bus Tour offered a serene and breathtaking ride through Singapore’s Deepavali light-up.
● Route: Delfi Orchard → Racecourse Road
● Participants enjoyed panoramic views of arches, motifs, and sparkling decorations.
● Storytelling, music, and guided commentary enhanced the festive experience This was one of the most popular attractions of 2025.
2. Public Transport Deepavali Design Launch:
Supported by LTA, SMRT, SBS Transit, and the Indian Heritage Centre, the Deepavali-themed buses and trains were unveiled by Senior Minister of State Mr. Murali Pillai. The initiative spread festive cheer across Singapore, carrying the spirit of Deepavali to daily commuters.
3. Traditional Flower Tying Workshop Participants learned the delicate art of:
● Jasmine garland making
● Rose and mixed-flower stringing Guided by skilled artisans, attendees experienced the cultural and devotional significance of traditional flower craft.
4. Deepavali Treasure Hunt 2025.
Families, friends, and community teams enjoyed a fun and educational hunt through Little India:
● Solving clues
● Visiting heritage spots
● Learning about history and traditions.
● Experiencing art, shops, and festive installations. A perfect blend of culture and adventure.
5. Saree & Veshti Draping Workshop
Held at Tekka Place – Dragon Playground (Unit #1-27) on 27 September 2025, the workshop ran two fully booked sessions. Participants learned:
● Multiple saree draping styles
● Traditional veshti tying
● Cultural significance of Indian attire. The lively, hands-on experience allowed visitors to capture photos and immerse themselves in traditional fashion.
6. Live Cooking Demonstrations:
Featuring Celebrity Chef Arifin – 60 Briyanis in 60 Minutes At POLI @ Clive Street, Chef Arifin amazed the audience by preparing 60 briyani in one hour, securing a place in the Singapore Book of Records.
Traditional Indian Cooking Demo: Other cooking sessions included explanations of:
● Spice balancing
● Indian cooking methods
● Step-by-step live demonstrations
Participants got to taste the dishes and ask chefs direct questions.A major attraction was the cooking showcase by Celebrity Chef Arifin, who prepared 60 briyanis in 60 minutes, earning a place in the Singapore Book of Records.
7. Rangoli Kolam Workshop
The Rangoli & Kolam workshop celebrated traditional Indian floor art:
● Hands-on learning of dot kolam, freehand kolam, and colour rangoli
● Explanation of cultural symbolism
● Participation by children, families, and youth
● Beautiful artworks created and shared on social media
The session fostered creativity and cultural appreciation.
8. Deepavali Festival Village 2025
Located along Campbell Lane, the Festival Village buzzed with life, offering:
● Traditional sweets & savouries
● Clothing, jewellery, décor items
● Home essentials and festive gifts
● Live cultural performances
● Food sampling booths
● Kids’ activities and family experiences
Local and international visitors enjoyed a vibrant marketplace blending tradition with modern lifestyle.
9. Deepavali Gala Dinner 2025
Held on 18 November 2025 at PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay, the Gala Dinner brought together community leaders, partners, and invited guests.
Highlights:
● Elegant Garden Ballroom ambience
● Guest of Honour: Dr Janil Puthucheary
● Cultural performances & speeches
● Networking and hospitality
● Exciting Lucky Draw segment
● A warm evening that reflected Deepavali’s joy, heritage, and unity.
Conclusion
Deepavali Utsavam & Light-Up 2025 successfully united communities through culture, creativity, and celebration. From dazzling lights and parades to workshops, tours, and village festivities, the event showcased the rich heritage of Singapore’s Indian community while inviting people of all backgrounds to celebrate together. Deepavali stands as a shining reminder of hope, unity, and the triumph of light over darkness — values that continue to strengthen Singapore’s multicultural harmony.
