The pedestrian crossing at Birch Road, in front of Anguilla Mosque, closes from 4pm on Saturday 7 November 2026 to 4am on Sunday 8 November, with large crowds expected on Deepavali eve in Little India. The Singapore Police Force advisory, issued on 6 November, also sets the no public drinking window for the Little India and Geylang Liquor Control Zones at 10.30pm on 6 November to 7am on 10 November.
Heavy vehicular and human traffic is expected along Serangoon Road. The nearest alternative crossings to Birch Road are near Kitchener Link or near Baboo Lane. The crossing at Campbell Lane may also close if required, in which case the alternatives are near Sungei Road or near Dunlop Street.
Directional signs will be displayed at every affected crossing, and Auxiliary Police officers will be deployed along the affected roads and junctions to regulate traffic. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and to drive with caution.
In the crowds, the police advice is to keep bags closed and slung in front, keep wallets out of back pockets, and approach any police officer or dial 999 for urgent help.
No public drinking until 7am on 10 November
Little India and Geylang are both declared Liquor Control Zones under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015. In both zones, no public drinking is allowed from 10.30pm on Friday 6 November to 7am on Tuesday 10 November. The standard no-drinking hours in a zone are 10.30pm to 7am the next day on weekdays, 7am to 7am the next day on weekends and public holidays, and 7pm to 7am the next day on the eve of a public holiday.
Anyone found drinking in a public place within a zone during those hours faces a fine of up to S$1,500. A repeat offender faces a fine of up to S$3,000, up to 4.5 months’ jail, or both. Retailers who supply liquor beyond their permitted trading hours may have their liquor licences revoked.
Fireworks and sparklers
From January to December 2025, 45 people were investigated for offences related to the possession, discharge and importation of fireworks. Fireworks are classified as explosives under the Guns, Explosives and Weapons Control Act 2021, and possessing, discharging or importing them illegally carries up to three years’ jail and a fine of up to S$50,000 for an individual, or a fine of up to S$100,000 for an entity.
Misusing sparklers, such as lighting several at once, is an offence of rash or negligent conduct under Section 284 of the Penal Code 1871. Where the act is likely to cause hurt or endanger life, the penalty is up to a year’s jail, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both. Where it causes hurt, the penalty rises to up to three years’ jail, a fine, or both.
