Preparations for Walk on Fire Festival, Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock Singapore will introduce temporary road closures and traffic changes on Sunday, November 1, 2026, to accommodate the annual Fire Walking Festival, according to the Singapore Police Force.
The traffic arrangements will affect several roads and lanes, which will either be closed to vehicles or converted to two-way traffic during designated periods to facilitate the event.
Photo: ShutterstockTemple Street and Mohamed Ali Lane will be closed from 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, until 7:00 a.m. on Monday, November 2.
From 1:00 p.m. on Sunday until the same time Monday morning, closures will also affect Hastings Road, the extreme right lane of Serangoon Road between Hastings Road and Petain Road, the two right lanes of Serangoon Road between Sungei Road and Hastings Road, Baboo Lane between Serangoon Road and lamp post 2, the back lane between Hindoo Road and Rowell Road, and Hindoo Road between Serangoon Road and lamp post 11.
During the restrictions, access will be limited to authorized vehicles, police vehicles and emergency services. Auxiliary police officers and security personnel will be deployed along affected roads to assist motorists and direct traffic.
Authorities have also warned that parking restrictions will be strictly enforced. Vehicles parked illegally or causing obstructions may be towed.
Members of the public seeking further information about the arrangements can contact the event organizer at 6223 4064.
The Singapore Police Force advised motorists to take note of the changes and plan their journeys accordingly.
The annual Theemithi, or Fire Walking Festival, is one of the most important Hindu religious events in Singapore. The three-month-long celebration includes a series of ceremonies and religious activities, culminating in the main fire-walking ritual on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
The festival is held at the Sri Mariamman Temple on South Bridge Road, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple.
The tradition has been part of Singapore's Hindu community for more than 150 years. It was brought to the island by Indian workers employed by British colonial establishments, many of whom came from Tamil Nadu in southern India.
Photo: ShutterstockRooted in the story of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, the festival honours Goddess Sri Drowpathai Amman, one of the central figures in the epic and a principal deity worshipped at Sri Mariamman Temple. The fire-walking ceremony represents the fulfillment of her vow following the great war described in the Mahabharata.
The 2026 festival begins on Monday, August 17, with Kodiyetram, the traditional hoisting of the festival flag. The main Theemithi fire-walking ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 1.