The Indian Heritage Centre in Singapore, in celebration of its 10th anniversary (IHC10) and to mark the arrival of the festive season, is hosting its first-ever after-hours experience, from September 27 to October 19. The Centre’s popular Deepavali Open House returns with a special edition, with four floral-themed weekends in the run-up to Diwali.
This year’s Deepavali Open House transforms the Indian Heritage Centre into a blooming space with vibrant displays, hands-on activities and programmes that capture the spirit of Deepavali (Diwali).
In this IHC10 special, IHC will open after hours for the first time, for two evenings of programmes and performances as part of special night programming on September 27 and October 4. Visitors can look forward to Divine Tales – Special After Dark Drama in the Gallery, an all-new dramatised skit that brings to life the story of Deepavali through music, dance and festive traditions.
Back by popular demand, visitors can also look forward to the Festive Market that will be held across all four weekends of the Open House. This year’s market will feature new and familiar vendors offering a wide array of handcrafted accessories, Indian fashion, festive bakes and more. A perfect pitstop for festive shopping needs, with free admission for all.
Guide to the vibrant line-up at this year’s IHC Deepavali Open House
● Week 1: September 27-28
Deepavali Open House kicks off with the Traditional Lamp Art Making Workshop, where artist Kanday Anjanappa introduces Tholu Bommalata, a traditional shadow puppet art of India. On September 27, visitors can also be among the first to experience IHC’s after-hours programme, with a special evening of cultural performances and activities.
● Week 2: October 4-5
Participate in the Little India Festive Guided Tour & Banana Leaf Meal, a guided trail through Little India’s vibrant flower stalls that will end with a six-course floral-inspired banana leaf meal. At the IHC, participants can join a lively cooking demonstration featuring edible flowers in festive dishes such as Banana Blossom Vadai and Carrot-Rose-Coconut Laddu with Cooking with Chef Devagi – From Petals to Plate.
● Week 3: October 11-12
Families can come together for ‘The Story Behind Deepavali’, a parent-child workshop filled with songs, storytelling and hands-on activities to introduce little ones to the festival’s traditions.
● Week 1-4: Ongoing highlights
In addition to the weekend highlights, visitors can enjoy a vibrant line-up of programmes happening throughout the Deepavali Open House. From hands-on crafts and festive dress-up to garland-tying, henna art, teatime treats and a lively festive market, there’s something for everyone to enjoy each weekend.
Registration is required for selected programmes at https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com. Visit roots.gov.sg/ich-landing/ich/deepavali to learn more about Deepavali. For more information, visit http://indianheritage.org.sg or IHC’s Facebook and Instagram page.
Celebrate Chinese heritage at Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 @ SCCCI
Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) will be joining hands with the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) to bring you Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2025 @ SCCCI.
Happening on September 27 and 28, 2025, at the SCCCI as the Memorial Hall is closed for restoration, visitors are invited to a festive weekend of fun-filled activities, live music and dance performances as well as immersive exhibitions and displays for all to enjoy.
This year’s festival will feature a brand-new outdoor lantern installation, Guppy Glow: Lights of Harmony. On display at SCCCI’s outdoor space from September 22 to October 9, this captivating installation draws inspiration from the colourful and lively guppy fish, creating a vibrant backdrop for our Mid-Autumn Festival.
Visitors can also look forward to a Mid-Autumn Creative Marketplace curated by Adamsapple, which will feature local creatives selling their own handmade creations.
There will also be exclusive live performances in Moonlit Melodies, Heartfelt Harmonies and Celestial Melodies and Motion by local artists Jenix Ee, Little Band Plus, Jurine Chia, music collective Gildon & Ensemble and dance collective, Wu Juan!
