Singapore honours Ramadan with Hari Raya celebrations

With 15% of Singapore's population being Muslim Malay, Hari Raya is an important event for both Singaporeans and visitors to experience this aspect of the local culture.

During this special period, renewal is expressed through contemplation and worship as well as spending quality time together with family and friends.

"Hari Raya is the ideal celebration for Middle East travellers to experience the holy month of Ramadan outside of their region in a comfortable, family-friendly environment that caters to their religious practices,"

said Jason Ong, Area Director for Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.

"By continuing to honour and celebrate the links between our cultures through events such as Hari Riya, we look forward to a continuous growth in travellers from the region visiting the city-state," added Ong.

The Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations kick off Singapore's One City Three Festivals celebration this week by offering a cultural buffet of events and festivities at Singapore's Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam.

The Hari Raya Light-Up at Geylang Serai will feature a traditional batik and kampong roof theme, fusing nostalgic and traditional aesthetics with bright, decorated streets. There will also be hundreds of stalls selling food, apparel, trinkets, decorative items for the house, and other items related to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

Thousands of sparkling lights will also adorn the streets of Kampong Glam, the historic seat of Malay royalty in the heart of the city. The Hari Raya Food & Goods Bazaar at Kandahar Street will start from 1 September, where some 40 stalls will offer a wide selection of local festive Malay cuisine as well as traditional handicrafts and goods.

Middle East guests can also participate in the breaking of the fast, or Iftar, at the compound of the Sultan Mosque and Muscat Street, or spend enriching hours at the Malay Heritage Centre which offers a programme of enriching cultural activities.

Singapore celebrates three festivals observed by the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities throughout August to November, including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Mid-Autumn Festival and Deepavali respectively.

The Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations at Kampong Glam runs from 24 August to 5 October, and the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations at Geylang Serai runs from 30 August to 12 October.