Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026, with Monday 9 November the public holiday. From Punggol, the North East Line runs straight to Little India station with no change of trains, so the street light-up and the Festival Village on Campbell Lane are one direct ride away.
Go early in the evening, avoid the busiest night if you can, and keep the last train in mind. That is most of the secret to a relaxed Deepavali outing.
This page is part of eduKate Punggol’s When You Need Help in Punggol, our practical guides for life’s occasions, big and small. It covers the 2026 and 2027 dates, the train trip from Punggol to Little India, the busiest times, the rules on drinking and fireworks, and getting home after dark.
Quick answer
- Dates: Deepavali is on Sunday 8 November 2026, and Monday 9 November 2026 is the public holiday in lieu. In 2027 it comes earlier, on Thursday 28 October 2027.
- Getting there: take the North East Line from Punggol (NE17) towards HarbourFront and get off at Little India (NE7). You do not need to change trains.
- What’s on: the Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association (LISHA) lists its Festival Village on Campbell Lane from 10 October to 8 November 2026, from 7pm. The street light-up was switched on at a ceremony on 3 October 2026.
- Busiest night: Deepavali eve, Saturday 7 November 2026. On the eve in 2025, police expected the largest crowds and closed some road crossings near Serangoon Road.
- Getting home: the last North East Line train towards Punggol Coast leaves Little India at 12.07am.
- Emergencies: Police 999; ambulance and fire 995.
How to Plan a Deepavali Evening from Punggol
A trip to Little India in the festive weeks works best with a little planning. These steps take only a few minutes.
- Choose your night. Saturdays are busier: LISHA’s 2026 workshops and evening concerts were set for Saturdays (17 and 31 October), and in 2025 the police expected the largest crowds on Deepavali eve. If you want room to stroll, avoid Saturday 7 November.
- Check the programme. LISHA organises the Little India celebrations and posts its events on deepavali.sg. The 2026 list included the light-up ceremony on Birch Road, the Festival Village, workshops at Tekka Place, Big Bus Deepavali Tours and evening music on Campbell Lane.
- Take the North East Line. From Punggol station, board a train towards HarbourFront and alight at Little India. If you live along the LRT, ride it to Punggol station first.
- Arrive around 7pm. That is when the Festival Village is listed to open. Starting early gives you the whole evening and an unhurried walk back to the station.
- Pack light. The police’s 2025 Deepavali advice was to keep bags closed and carried in front, and never to keep a wallet in a back pocket.
- Agree a meeting point. Pick a landmark everyone in your group knows, in case you get separated. Put your phone number in a younger child’s pocket.
- Plan your ride home. The last train towards Punggol Coast leaves Little India at 12.07am. Aim to start walking back to the station by about 11.45pm.
Where to Go and Who to Call for Deepavali
These are the places and contacts that matter most for a Deepavali trip from Punggol.
| Who or where | Address and contact | Hours | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deepavali Festival Village (LISHA) | Campbell Lane, Little India | 10 October to 8 November 2026, from 7pm. Third-party listings say it runs until midnight; check live. | The main festive area, with evening concerts and some workshops. |
| LISHA (organiser’s office) | 48 Serangoon Road, Little India Arcade, #02-16, Singapore 217959. Tel 6392 2246 or 9759 5589, or the contact form on deepavali.sg. | Office hours not published | Questions about the programme, workshops and tours. |
| Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Hindu Endowments Board) | 397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123. Contact details on the HEB page; check live. | Mon–Fri 5am–11am and 6pm–8.30pm. Weekend hours differ; check live. | Prayers and a festive temple visit. |
| Little India MRT station (NE7) | North East Line, direct from Punggol (NE17) | First train from Punggol 5.42am (6.02am on Sundays and public holidays). Last train back towards Punggol Coast 12.07am. | Getting there and back. |
| SBS Transit hotline | 1800-287 2727 | Check live | Questions about North East Line and LRT services. |
| Police and SCDF | 999 (Police), 995 (ambulance and fire) | 24 hours | Emergencies, injuries, theft or crowd trouble. |
Checked October 2026 — confirm on the official page before you go: LISHA’s Deepavali events, SBS Transit first and last trains and HEB’s Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple page.
One gap to note: LISHA had not published an end date for the 2026 street light-up on the pages we checked. If you plan to go after Deepavali day, look at deepavali.sg first.
Which Situation Fits You
You are going with young children
An early evening on a weekday is the gentlest choice. LISHA’s 2026 programme included hands-on sessions at Tekka Place, such as clay diya painting on selected Saturdays in October, so check deepavali.sg for anything still to come. In a thick crowd, a baby carrier is often easier than a pram, and a brightly coloured top makes a small child easier to spot.
You are bringing elderly parents
The direct train helps a great deal, as there is no transfer to manage. Keep the outing short, build in rests and avoid Deepavali eve. If your parents wish to pray, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple lists weekday morning hours from 5am to 11am, well before the Festival Village opens for the evening.
You want to go on Deepavali eve
This is the peak night. In 2025, police closed the Birch Road crossing in front of Angullia Mosque from 4pm on the eve to 4am the next day, and said the Campbell Lane crossing could be closed as needed. Pedestrians were sent to crossings at Kitchener Link and Baboo Lane, and near Sungei Road and Dunlop Street, with Auxiliary Police officers directing the flow. The 2026 arrangements had not been published when we checked on 21 October 2026, so follow officers’ directions on the night.
You would rather celebrate in Punggol
You do not have to travel at all. Our guide to Deepavali in Punggol covers rangoli and community events at One Punggol and Punggol 21, and SAFRA Punggol’s Deepavali exhibition and activities has its own page.
You need something open on the public holiday
Monday 9 November 2026 is the public holiday in lieu, because Deepavali falls on a Sunday. Our guide to public holidays in Punggol explains what usually stays open and what closes.
You are planning ahead for 2027
Deepavali moves earlier in 2027, to Thursday 28 October 2027, according to the Ministry of Manpower’s list of 2027 public holidays. The 2027 Little India programme had not been announced as of October 2026; deepavali.sg is the place to watch.
Costs and Rules: Drinking, Fireworks and Sparklers
Walking around Little India costs nothing. Third-party listings say entry to the Festival Village is free; check live. LISHA’s Big Bus Deepavali Tours were listed from 10 October 2026 at 7pm, with details on deepavali.sg.
Little India is a Liquor Control Zone under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015. For Deepavali 2025, the police banned public drinking in the Little India and Geylang zones from 10.30pm on Friday 17 October to 7am on Tuesday 21 October 2025.
Breaking the ban can mean a fine of up to $1,500. Repeat offenders face a fine of up to $3,000, up to 4.5 months’ jail, or both. Retailers who sell liquor outside permitted hours may lose their licences.
Fireworks are illegal to possess, discharge or import without authorisation. Misusing sparklers, for example by lighting several together, can be prosecuted under Section 284 of the Penal Code 1871.
A 2026 police advisory had not been published when we checked on 21 October 2026. In 2025 it came out on 17 October, just before the festive weekend, so look out for the 2026 version shortly before Deepavali eve on 7 November 2026. The 2025 police advisory shows what to expect.
Neighbour’s Tips
- Save the last-train time: 12.07am from Little India towards Punggol Coast, on weekdays and weekends alike.
- Check the LRT too. SBS Transit lists the last Punggol LRT trains leaving Punggol at 12.38am (East Loop) and 12.40am (West Loop), but that table was last updated in 2020, so check live.
- Wear shoes you can stand in. Crowds move slowly along the festive streets, and you may be on your feet for hours.
- Follow the crossing marshals. On busy nights some crossings close. Walking the extra block is quicker than arguing with a closed barrier.
- At a temple, take your cue from the devotees. Follow any posted guidance, keep voices low during prayers and ask before taking photos.
- Do not buy fireworks, wherever they are offered. They are illegal without authorisation.
- Use the public holiday. Monday 9 November is a natural day for visiting family, and a weekday evening in Little India the week before is usually easier than the eve.
If It’s Urgent or Gets Worse
Call 999, or approach a police officer on the ground, if you see a fight, a theft or anyone in danger. Call 995 for an ambulance if someone collapses, is injured or struggles in the heat and crowds.
If a child goes missing, tell the nearest police officer straight away and describe what they are wearing. If a tour or ticket offer seems suspicious, the ScamShield Helpline on 1799 can advise.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Deepavali in 2026 and 2027?
Deepavali is on Sunday 8 November 2026, with Monday 9 November 2026 as the public holiday. In 2027 it falls on Thursday 28 October. Both dates come from the Ministry of Manpower.
How do I get to Little India from Punggol?
Take the North East Line from Punggol (NE17) towards HarbourFront and alight at Little India (NE7). Both stations are on the same line, so there is no transfer.
What time is the last train back to Punggol?
SBS Transit’s timetable shows the last train towards Punggol Coast leaving Little India at 12.07am every day. Leave by about 11.45pm to be safe.
When does the Deepavali light-up end in 2026?
LISHA had not published an end date on the pages we checked in October 2026. The Festival Village is listed until 8 November 2026. Check deepavali.sg before a late trip.
Is the Festival Village open on Deepavali day itself?
LISHA lists it until 8 November 2026, which is Deepavali day. Some third-party listings say it closes on Deepavali itself, so check deepavali.sg before planning a visit that day.
Can I drink alcohol in Little India during Deepavali?
Little India is a Liquor Control Zone. For Deepavali 2025, the police banned public drinking there from 10.30pm on Friday 17 October to 7am on Tuesday 21 October 2025. The 2026 advisory had not been published as of 21 October 2026, so check police.gov.sg for the 2026 dates before you go.
More Help on eduKate Punggol
- Deepavali in Punggol 2026: rangoli and events at One Punggol and Punggol 21.
- SAFRA Punggol Deepavali 2026: the exhibition and activities.
- Public holidays in Punggol: what’s open and closed.
- Top 10 things to do in Punggol for night owls
- Religious classes and faith community services in Punggol
- Official: LISHA Deepavali events · MOM public holidays 2026 · MOM public holidays 2027 · SBS Transit first and last trains
Enjoy the Festival of Lights
Deepavali is often called the Festival of Lights, and Little India is at its brightest in these weeks. Pick a calm evening, go at your family’s pace, keep the last train in mind, and bring a little of that glow home to Punggol.
And if your family is also looking for calm, small-group English, Mathematics or Science, eduKate Punggol teaches classes of three in Punggol. Come find out more: Book a consultation · Chat on WhatsApp
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Checked October 2026. Addresses, opening hours, fees and rules change, so please confirm with the official source before you go.
