We recently conducted some research which reveals that Singaporean travellers are losing out on potential savings when it comes to airfares to India for the Deepavali season, with the majority of flight searches to India occurring last minute, during the month of October.
We found that 34% of all flight searches from Singapore to India in 2015 were conducted in October. Visitors looking to travel to India to celebrate the Festival of Lights also paid the most for airfares secured in October this year, averaging at S$617.
Savings of up to 23% could have been reaped if travellers had booked their flights to India in the earlier months of July, August and September, when roundtrip flight prices ranged between S$500 to S$540 on average.
Many Hindus in Singapore plan visits to India to reconnect with relatives and friends, while indulging in shopping and seasonal delicacies during Deepavali. By locking in flights at the right time, travellers could channel flight savings towards festive activities with their loved ones during Deepavali. Our Price Trend Tool, which is embedded within our flight searches, provides travellers with insight on whether to purchase their airfare now or wait and see if the price will go down in the coming days, making sure travellers in Singapore get the offer that suits them. If you wish to experience Deepavali abroad can also look beyond the shores of India to destinations closer to home, such as Bali, or more far flung locations, such as Nepal.
Celebrated on 10 November, Hindus in Malaysia liven up Deepavali celebrations with festive fireworks, a wide array of traditional savoury goodies, sweets, and the ever popular murukku. The festival would be incomplete without the presence of colourful lights or traditional oil lamps. On the morning of Deepavali, Hindus get up before sunrise for an oil bath to signify the cleansing of one’s impurities and sins from the past. Similar to Singapore, Hindus in Malaysia invite friends of different races and religions to their homes for an ‘open house’.
How to get there: Flights from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur start at S$91.
Where to stay: Prices for a deluxe room at the Hotel Istana start at S$104 a night this month.
In Thailand, Deepavali is celebrated from 24 to 26 November under the name of Lam Kriyongh. In Bangkok, the occasion is celebrated by placing candles on banana leaf lamps alongside coins and incense before setting them adrift on a river. At nightfall, the lighted lamps create a spectacular sight as they come together twinkling on the surface. The lighted lamps signify the light of inner knowledge and strength in one’s character. The Thais also conduct house visits and indulge in sweet delicacies.
How to get there: Flights from Singapore to Bangkok start at S$187.
Where to stay: Prices for a deluxe room at the Furamaxclusive Sukhumvit start at S$50 a night this month.
Deepavali is observed on 11 November in Indonesia and while the festival is not as widely celebrated, Bali is an exception as the majority of its population are Hindus. Ancient temples erected in the traditional Balinese style attract Hindu devotees from all over the world to the island of Bali during Deepavali each year. Light is of course a big part of the celebrations as floating lanterns and fireworks illuminate the sky to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
How to get there: Flights from Singapore to Bali start at S$270.
Where to stay: Prices for a superior double room at the Hotel Vila Lumbung start at S$98 a night this month.
Surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, Nepal welcomes the celebrations of the Festival of Lights from 9 to 13 November with gift exchanges, elaborate feasts, fireworks and a display of bright lights placed on the exterior of homes and shop houses. Known to the Nepalese as Tihar, the festivities honour the Lakshmi, goddess of wealth and Ganesh, god of prosperity, and are celebrated over a span of five days, with each day carrying a different but special significance.
How to get there: Flights from Singapore to Nepal start at S$718.
Where to stay: Prices for a deluxe double room at the Hotel Woodland start at S$77 a night this month.
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