Invited to a Deepavali open house? The short answer: bring a small, thoughtful gift of sweets, fruit or a festive treat, dress in bright colours, take your shoes off at the door, and come ready to eat. You don't need anything grand. What your hosts will remember is that you came, you joined in, and you brought a little something to share the sweetness of the day.
Deepavali falls on 8 November 2026, and with invitations already going out across Singapore, here's a friendly guide for first-time guests and seasoned visitors alike.
What is a Deepavali open house?
Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Many Hindu families in Singapore open their homes on the day (and often over the following days) to friends, neighbours and colleagues of every background. Expect oil lamps (diyas) by the door, a colourful kolam drawn at the entrance, plenty of murukku and other homemade snacks, and usually a generous spread of food. It's relaxed and welcoming, and guests tend to drop in and out over the afternoon and evening.
Good gifts to bring to a Deepavali open house
Sweetness is at the heart of Deepavali, so something sweet is always a safe choice. A few ideas that hosts genuinely appreciate:
- Sweets and treats. Traditional Indian sweets from a trusted shop, a box of cookies, or a festive mini jar of honey. Small, giftable treats are easy for hosts to share with other guests or keep for the family.
- Fresh fruit. A basket or neat box of fruit is a traditional, much-loved gift that suits every household.
- Something for the home. Decorative candles or a small diya set fits the Festival of Lights beautifully.
- Treats for the children. If the family has young children, a little something just for them is always a hit.
If you'd like to bring something ready to give, our Deepavali gifts and hampers are made for exactly this. The Happy Deepavali mini honey jar and the Shubh Deepavali mini honey jar each come with a festive greeting, so they're thoughtful without being fussy. Our mini honey is halal-certified, and every mini jar is lovingly wrapped by stay-at-home mums.
What to avoid bringing
A little awareness goes a long way. Practices vary from family to family, so if you're unsure, it's perfectly fine to ask your host or a mutual friend.
- Alcohol. Many Hindu households don't drink, so leave the wine at home unless you know your hosts well.
- Beef or meat-based foods. Many Hindus avoid beef, and plenty of families are fully vegetarian, especially during the festival. Stick to vegetarian treats.
- Leather items. Leather gifts are best avoided for the same reason.
- Black or white wrapping. These colours can be associated with mourning. Choose bright, cheerful wrapping instead.
- Sharp objects. Knives and scissors are traditionally thought to "cut" ties, so they're not ideal as festive gifts.
A small note on honey: most vegetarian households are happy with it, but some families, such as strict Jain households, avoid honey. If you know your hosts follow a particular diet, fruit or plant-based sweets are a lovely alternative.
How to present your gift
- Wrap it brightly. Red, yellow, orange, gold and other vivid colours feel festive and auspicious.
- Give it with your right hand (or both hands). It's a simple gesture of respect.
- Add a short handwritten note. A line like "Wishing you and your family a joyful Deepavali" makes even a small gift feel personal.
- Don't expect it to be opened straight away. Hosts are busy welcoming guests and may set gifts aside to open later. That's completely normal.
Open house etiquette for guests
Arriving
Check the time window on your invitation and arrive within it. Open houses are usually flexible, so you don't need to be there on the dot. Remove your shoes at the door, as most homes expect this, and wear socks you don't mind showing.
What to wear
Bright colours are perfect. Many guests wear traditional Indian outfits, and if you're not Indian, a kurta or saree is usually seen as a warm, appreciative gesture rather than a faux pas. Smart casual in festive colours works just as well. Avoid all-black outfits.
Greeting your hosts
"Happy Deepavali" is always welcome.
Eating and drinking
Food is central to the visit, and your hosts will likely encourage you to eat more than once. Try a little of everything you can, and if you have dietary limits, a polite "I'll have just a little" is fine. In some homes food is eaten with the right hand; follow your hosts' lead and use cutlery if it's offered.
How long to stay
Thirty minutes to an hour is typical, especially if your hosts have many guests dropping by. Thank them warmly before you leave, and if you're visiting several homes in a day, it's fine to say so.
Bringing a gift for colleagues or a team?
If you're visiting a colleague's open house as a group, or want to thank Hindu colleagues and clients during the festive season, a set of matching small gifts keeps things simple and inclusive. Our Deepavali collection includes festive mini jars that work well for teams, and you can get in touch with us for customised designs with your company's message.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to bring a gift to a Deepavali open house?
It isn't required, but it's a kind gesture and very common. A small box of sweets, fruit or a festive treat is plenty.
Can I bring honey to a Deepavali open house?
Yes. Sweet gifts suit the festival, and a festive mini honey jar is easy to share. If your hosts follow a strict Jain diet, choose fruit or plant-based sweets instead.
Is it okay to give money at Deepavali?
Some families give cash to children or relatives, often in an envelope. As a guest, it's not expected; a small gift is the usual choice.
What should I say when I arrive?
"Happy Deepavali" works perfectly.
What colours should I avoid wearing or wrapping in?
Avoid black and plain white, which can be linked to mourning. Bright colours like red, yellow, orange and gold are ideal.
However you celebrate, we hope your Deepavali is full of light, laughter and good food. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful festival.