Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8 in both Singapore and Hong Kong, the same calendar date as in India, part of a 5-day festival running from Dhanteras on November 6 through Bhai Dooj on November 10. Both cities have established Indian communities, though the day carries different weight officially in each.
A public holiday in Singapore, a working day in Hong Kong
Deepavali is a gazetted public holiday in Singapore, one of the country’s official holidays reflecting its sizeable and long-settled Indian-origin population, particularly Tamil. Little India in Singapore hosts extensive light displays and a large community bazaar in the lead-up. Hong Kong does not observe Diwali as a public holiday, so families there typically plan the home puja around the evening after work, or shift a larger community celebration to the nearest weekend.
Getting the puja timing right
Lakshmi Puja is traditionally timed to Pradosh Kaal, the period around local sunset. Singapore and Hong Kong sit in different time zones (Singapore is UTC+8 year-round, Hong Kong also UTC+8, so the two are actually aligned on the clock, though their longitudes and thus exact sunset times differ slightly). Both are roughly 2.5 hours ahead of India, but the relevant figure for puja timing is each city’s own local sunset on November 8, not an offset from an Indian clock time.
Community events
Singapore’s Little India district and several temples, including Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, run some of the most visible public Diwali programmes in the region. In Hong Kong, community celebrations tend to be organised through Hindu and Sindhi associations rather than a single public district event, often on the weekend closest to the date.
The feel of Diwali in each city
Singapore is one of the few places outside India where Diwali genuinely feels like a public festival, not just a private family affair. The Little India light-up along Serangoon Road starts weeks before the actual date, with elaborate illuminated arches spanning the street. Shopping for puja items, new clothes, and mithai is easy because dedicated shops along Dunlop Street and Buffalo Road carry everything from silver Lakshmi idols to specific incense blends. For families used to Diwali shopping in India, Singapore is the closest experience available in Southeast Asia.
Hong Kong is a different story. The Indian community is well-established, concentrated around Chungking Mansions and the Mid-Levels area, but the festival is largely a private and community-hall affair. The Hindu Temple in Happy Valley hosts a well-attended puja, and Sindhi and Marwari business associations organize their own celebrations, but there is nothing comparable to Singapore’s public display. Families in Hong Kong often order sweets from Indian restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui or make them at home. If you need specific puja samagri, the small Indian stores near Chungking Mansions stock basics, but selection is limited compared to Singapore.
Check your city’s timing
Use the muhurat page with Singapore or Hong Kong selected to see November 8’s sunset and Rahu Kaal for your local Lakshmi Puja window.