The Indian Heritage Centre’s annual Deepavali Open House returns from 17 October to 8 November 2026. This year, the Centre becomes a House of Memories, bringing together familiar settings, traditions, and experiences that evoke memories of Deepavali in Singapore.
Visitors can reminisce while experiencing the festival in new ways, with decor inspired by scenes from the past, textiles, archival images, and festive objects that recreate shared experiences of this beloved celebration.
Indian Heritage Centre’s Deepavali Open House 2026
Recreating the warmth of a Deepavali home, the Level 1 Lobby features an installation of Yesteryear Images alongside an Heirloom Saree Display.
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The photo exhibition and digital showcase present archival Deepavali images from across generations, while three cherished sarees contributed by the community spotlight personal family stories and show how these precious garments are kept, worn, and passed down through generations.
Interactive Activities & Drop-in Crafts
Step into interactive nostalgia at the Vintage Photo Booth & Dress Up station, an old school studio setup inspired by retro Deepavali portraits where guests can dress in traditional attire, pose, and capture nostalgic photo mementos.
The lobby also features drop-in craft activities including DIY Mini Mithai (sweet) Box decorating and Clay Brooch Painting with peacock motifs, a vintage Deepavali Card Station that reflect the tradition of exchanging festive wishes by post, and where visitors can write and mail festive postcards.
Visitors can also take part in a short Deepavali quiz to redeem a specially designed, limited-edition money packet inspired by traditional textile borders and festive motifs.
Live Music and Dance Performances
As part of its Deepavali Open House, the Indian Heritage Centre will be extending its operating hours until 8 pm on Saturday evenings throughout the Open House period.
The Centre’s facade and Campbell Lane will also host a vibrant lineup of live music and dance performances, highlighted by special Saturday night collaborative showcases by precinct partners Gayathri Dance Academy and AKT, set against the illuminated backdrop of the precinct light up.
A headline evening showcase co-presented with precinct partners Gayathri Dance Academy and AKT, bringing vibrant dance and music to Campbell Lane under the glow of the Little India Light-Up, will take place from 6 pm to 7 pm on 17, 24 and 31 October 2026.
Mini Deepavali Expo
Festive shopping has long been an integral part of the Deepavali experience.
On Level 2, the Mini Deepavali Expo brings this cherished street market tradition directly into the Open House, creating a vibrant indoor festive bazaar. Visitors can browse a curated selection of traditional beauty products, handcrafted items, and sarees to prepare for their festive celebrations.
Ticketed Workshops
Indian Heritage Centre has also curated a lineup of ticketed workshops, including hands-on Indian miniature painting and culinary masterclasses featuring North and South Indian biryani styles (Biryani Stories).
Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali Open House
When: 17 October to 8 November 2026
Where: Indian Heritage Centre
For more information, visit indianheritage.gov.sg
