Open House Deepavali 2025 Admission charges to galleries and programmes may apply.
27 Sept - 19 Oct 2025
10am - 6pm [Extended till 8pm on Fri & Sat]
Indian Heritage Centre

The annual Indian Heritage Centre Deepavali OPEN HOUSE returns from 27 Sept to 19 OctInspired by the colours and beauty of flowers, this year’s celebrations feature hands-on crafts, vibrant installations, immersive workshops, LIVE performances, and a bustling festive bazaar. Enjoy four weekends of festivities with FREE museum entry and extended opening hours till 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.


FREE PROGRAMMES

Limited-Edition Deepavali Money Packets

Sat: 10am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm

Collect a special set of festive money packets – available while stocks last!

 

 


Festive Market

Sat: 10am – 8pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm

Shop handcrafted accessories, Indian fashion, festive bakes, and more – perfect gifts to spark joy this Deepavali.

 

 

Drop-in Craft Activities (Weekends)

Sat: 10am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm

Get creative at our hands-on stations:

  • Clay Lotus Hanging Ornament – inspired by traditional Gond art
  • Floral Tealight Holder – decorate with mirrors and dots, perfect for lighting your home
  • Deepavali Postcards – design, write, and post your greetings with special stamps!
  • Colouring Sheets – for young artists; their works will be proudly displayed.

Drop-in Craft Activities (Weekdays)

Tue - Fri only: 10am - 6pm

Suitable for 4 years and above

Join us for a hands-on Lotus tea light craft to celebrate the Festival of Deepavali and the beauty of flowers during our weekday craft activity! Whether young or young at heart, everyone can get creative and light up their homes to welcome this joyous Festival of Lights. Come craft, shine, and celebrate with us!

 

 

Discover Deepavali Activity Booklet for Children

Suitable for 4 - 12 years old | While stocks last (Bulk collection not permitted) 

Celebrate the festival of lights with our refreshed Deepavali activity booklets! This year’s special edition is designed just for children, with two versions tailored to different age groups. Each booklet is filled with exciting puzzles, word searches, colouring pages, and a sticker sheet to design traditional Indian outfits. Through these activities, young ones will discover the stories behind Deepavali; learn about key artefacts in our galleries; explore our newly launched children’s space and make connections to the vibrant Little India precinct. Pick up your copy at our Visitor Services Counter and let the celebrations begin!

 

Cultural Flower Stall

Sat: 10am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm

Watch how fresh garlands are tied in traditional style – a fragrant symbol of blessings and celebration.

 

 

Festive Dress-Up Booth 

Sat: 10am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm

Try on vibrant Indian attire or garlands – great for photos and festive feels!

 

 

Insta-Worthy Photo Booth

Sat: 10am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm

Capture the moment at our themed photo corner – bring your whole family along!

 

 

Free Henna Art

Sat & Sun: 12pm - 2pm

Get your hands adorned with beautiful henna designs – a cherished Deepavali tradition.

 

 


Outdoor Cultural Performances

Sat: 10am – 7pm | Sun: 10am – 5pm

(Only on weekends from 27 Sept - 12 Oct)

Experience the magic of music and movement with free live performances.

New this year: Night programming! Catch dancers and musicians performing under the stars.

 

 

Festive Snacks

Sat & Sun: 3pm - 4pm

Enjoy Deepavali favourites like murukku, masala chai, and iced rose syrup.

While stocks last. Food may contain allergens.

 

 


Thematic Guided Tours

Fri: 11am & 6pm | Limited to 20 pax per tour | No registration required

To celebrate the Indian Heritage Centre’s 10th anniversary, our passionate volunteer docents will lead a series of special thematic tours, each inspired by the rich stories within our five permanent galleries.

These tours will explore a range of themes — from migration and trade to textiles, festivals, identity, and the arts — offering fresh perspectives and deeper insights into the lived experiences of the Indian community in Singapore.

Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another look, these themed tours promise to reveal hidden gems, spotlight lesser-known histories, and draw meaningful connections between the past and present.

SPECIAL FESTIVE PROGRAMMES

 

 

Divine Tales – Special After Dark Drama in the Gallery!* 

Sat: 27 Sept & 4th Oct | 6pm & 7pm

Celebrate Deepavali in the gallery with a special dramatized skit, bringing to life the mythological tale behind the Festival of Lights through music, dance, and festive traditions.

*This programme is suitable for participants of all ages.

 

Traditional Lamp Art Making Workshop

Sat & Sun: 27 & 28 Sept | 10.30am - 12.30pm

Admission fee: $20

Register at: ihc-programmes.peatix.com

 

Join artist Kanday Anjanappa to learn Tholu Bommalata, a traditional shadow puppet art from India. This beautiful craft features detailed designs and vibrant stories inspired by Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll sketch traditional patterns onto a leather lampshade, add colorful natural dyes, and punch tiny holes to create a stunning glowing effect when the lamp is lit. Take home a unique, handcrafted lampshade that could become your new favorite decoration!

*This programme is suitable for participants of ages 14 and above.

 

Little India Festive Guided Tour & Banana Leaf Meal

Sat, 4 Oct 2025 | 10.30am - 12.30pm

Admission fee: $30

Register at: ihc-programmes.peatix.com


Celebrate the festive spirit of Deepavali on a guided trail through Little India’s vibrant flower stalls. Discover how flowers are used in prayers, rituals, and celebrations, and learn about their deeper meanings in Indian traditions. 


Along the way, explore the precinct’s landmarks and trades, and enjoy the sights, scents, and stories that bring Little India to life. End the trail with a six-course floral-inspired traditional feast. 

             

*This programme is suitable for participants of all ages.


Cooking with Chef Devagi – From Petals to Plate

Sun, 5 Oct 2025 | 10.30am - 12.30pm

Admission fee: $15

Register at: ihc-programmes.peatix.com


Join Chef Devagi for a Deepavali cooking demo featuring edible flowers. Learn how traditional Indian dishes are enhanced with roses, hibiscus, lotus, jasmine, neem, and banana blossoms, while discovering their cultural significance, health benefits, and festive uses. 


The demo will showcase a Deepavali-inspired menu including Dried Neem Flower Rasam, Fruit Chaat on Lotus Petals, Banana Blossom Vadai, and Carrot-Rose-Coconut Laddu.

             

*This programme is suitable for participants aged 14 years and above.

 

 

The Story Behind Deepavali [Parent-Child Workshop]

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 | 2.30pm - 4.30pm

Admission fee: $20 for one parent & one child

Register at: ihc-programmes.peatix.com


Discover the story of Deepavali together in this interactive workshop for parents and children. Explore the festival’s rituals and traditions through different stations and hands-on activities, learning how good triumphs over evil and gaining a deeper understanding of the celebrations. This immersive experience is designed to be fun, engaging, and educational for the whole family. 


*This programme is suitable for participants aged 3 – 7 years. All children will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

 


              

Floral Masterclass with Special Gallery Tour

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 | 11am - 1pm

Admission fee: $35

Register at: ihc-programmes.peatix.com

Step into the world of Indian heritage at IHC with this exclusive 2-hour experience. Begin with an express guided tour of our galleries, where you’ll get a glimpse into Singapore’s rich Indian cultural heritage and see some of our most stunning artefacts up close.

Next, take your inspiration from the artefact of your choice and join a hands-on floral masterclass led by a floral design expert. Learn refined techniques and insider tips as you craft a bespoke bouquet, creating a unique arrangement that reflects both tradition and your personal style — and take it home as a keepsake from this immersive experience.             

*This programme is suitable for participants aged 14 years and above.



Related Activities
Guided Tours at IHC
Daily , Various Times
Indian Heritage Centre
Charges to gallery may apply

Join our docents as they take you on a journey through our permanent galleries from Tue - Sun. Tours are available in English, Tamil & Mandarin.