Deepavali Open House 2026 at the Indian Heritage Centre
With festive lights and colourful decorations lighting up the streets of Little India, it can only mean one thing: Deepavali season is in full swing. It’s the time for communities to come together and celebrate Indian culture, and the Indian Heritage Centre’s (IHC) Deepavali Open House 2026 is one way you can join the festivities.
Here’s everything you need to know before heading down.
What is the Deepavali Open House all about?
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
Deepavali Open House is an annual celebration organised by the IHC to mark the Festival of Lights. It aims to share the spirit of Deepavali and showcase Indian heritage through activities and programmes designed for all ages.
This year’s event will take place from 17th October to 8th November 2026 and run from 10am to 6pm, with extended hours until 8pm on Saturdays. It’ll feature a range of activities, from hands-on crafts to cultural performances, giving visitors the chance to experience the traditions behind Deepavali for free.
What are the free activities at Deepavali Open House 2026?
Try on traditional sarees & take photos with a vintage photobooth
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
From 10am to 5pm on weekends, you’ll be able to browse and try on a collection of community-loaned sarees at the Heirloom Saree Corner, all while discovering the stories behind the intricate designs of these handwoven garments.
There’s even a vintage photobooth where you’ll get to snap a few pics in your new outfit.
Get creative with DIY crafts inspired by Indian culture
If you’re looking for some hands-on activities, there will be craft workshops taking place all day throughout the weekend.
Image adapted from: Indian Heritage Centre
Try your hand at clay brooch painting, where you can personalise your own peacock-inspired brooch. These accessories take inspiration from the brooches traditionally worn with sarees and Punjabi suits, adding a decorative touch while securing the outfits in place.
You can also get creative with the DIY mini mithai box workshop, where you’ll get to design your own Indian sweet box inspired by the colourful mithai shops found throughout Little India.
Shop for traditional wear & cultural goods at the weekend bazaar
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
Drop by the weekend bazaar, where you can spend the day browsing through the many stalls selling everything from festive treats to traditional outfits to cultural finds.
With the bazaar running from morning to evening, you’ll have plenty of time to work through the stalls, pick up something special, and soak in the atmosphere while you’re at it.
After-hours activities including museum tours & night performances
Even after the sun sets, the festivities continue. For those staying late to admire the vibrant light displays in Little India, consider checking out the special dance performances taking place from 6pm to 7pm on 17th, 24th, and 31st October 2026.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
Catch these performances, done in collaboration with AKT Creations and Gayathri Dance Academy, to experience Indian culture through traditional dance and storytelling.
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
IHC will also be hosting free English-guided museum tours on weekends at 11am and 2pm, with an additional 7pm session held on Saturdays.
Explore their 5 permanent galleries, each showcasing a different era of Indian heritage in Southeast Asia, and learn about the contributions of Indian communities in Singapore. Join these tours by simply gathering in the lobby before they begin; no registration needed.
Redeem your free money packets
Image credit: @indianheritage_sg via Instagram
No Deepavali celebration is complete without festive money packets, and you can redeem yours for free at the IHC. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, so head down early if you’d like to get your hands on one.
Keep the little ones entertained with children’s activities
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
Kids can also get in on the festivities with interactive activities that’ll introduce them to Deepavali traditions. Deepavali-themed children’s booklets will also be available throughout the weekends, giving them another way to discover more about the Festival of Lights.
Are there any ticketed experiences at the Deepavali Open House 2026?
Deepavali cooking demos by local chefs
IHC has brought in 2 local chefs to lead cooking workshops to share the secrets behind 2 of the most beloved Indian dishes.
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
On 17th October, join Chef Devagi for a step-by-step guide to making Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, served with cucumbers and a cooling pomegranate raita.
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
Chef Dhersini will hold her workshop on 18th October, where she’ll show you how to prepare her famed Prawn Biryani, served with beetroot raita.
Both sessions will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm on their respective days, with tickets priced at $10 per pax.
Sign up and learn how to cook these dishes with Chef Devagi and Chef Dhershini.
Create your own Indian miniature art painting
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Indian Heritage Centre
The miniature art painting workshop is your chance to explore an Indian art form that’s been preserved for centuries. Design your own art piece inspired by the elephant motifs featured in this year’s Little India light-ups.
The workshop will be led by Master Artist Ajax Sharma on 31st October, from 4.30pm to 7.30pm, and 1st November, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, with tickets priced at $28 per pax.
Celebrate Deepavali 2026 at the Indian Heritage Centre
IHC is bringing the celebrations to Little India, so gather your friends and family for a festive outing and take the opportunity to learn more about the traditions behind the special occasion with Deepavali Open House 2026.
Admission: Free, with ticketed experiences
Date: 17th Oct-8th Nov 2026
Time: 10am-6pm | Extended till 8pm on Sat
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Cover image adapted from: Indian Heritage Centre