Joanna James
Singapore, despite being a tiny city-state lays claim to a rich culture, heritage, and celebrates many events and festivals being celebrated with zest and zeal. Here are some must-experience festivals while there.
Known as the Spring Festival, the Lunar New Year is the first day of the Chinese New Year and is of great significance to the Chinese community in Singapore. The celebrations span 15 days starting from the eve of the New Year. During this time the Chinese clean their homes to get rid of ill fortune, decorate their homes in red and gold, colours which are considered auspicious in their culture, visit family and friends, and exchange gifts. During this festival, Singapore's eponymous China Town comes alive with vibrant lion and dragon performances being performed as a part of the celebration! China Town can be easily reached from many five-star hotels in Singapore including the likes of Grand Park City Hall with relative ease either via the metro and readily available taxis.
Hari Raya festival is celebrated by the Muslim community in Singapore and across the world. It is one of the most important celebrations that begin with a fast from dawn to sunset. During this period devotees will engage in meditation and religious activities to make their faith stronger and be purified. When the fasting period is over, they celebrate Eid Ul Fitr on a grand scale with lots of delicious food together with family and friends.
Another celebration that originated in China well over a thousand years ago the Dragon Boat Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the traditional Chinese calendar. On this, day, dragon boats compete at the Bedok Reservoir in Singapore. As a beloved custom, rice dumplings and realgar wines are consumed with zest during this festival. Be sure to catch all the action at the DBS Marina Regatta and the Bedok Reservoir. There are also plenty of games and fun activities taking place to keep spectators entertained.
The Deepavali Festival marks the day, Lord Ram returned to claim his kingdom, and above all signifies the triumph of good over evil, On this much-anticipated festival, the Hindu community in Little India, paves the streets with lights while filing the sky with dazzling fireworks towards dusk. As a custom, devotees wear new clothes and visit the temple. Deepavali usually falls during the last week of October or the first week of November.
Celebrated by Buddhists and Taoists, the Hungry Ghost Festival is on the 7th month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that ghosts come out from the lower reals during this period. During this time, people visit the graves of their deceased loved ones and ancestors to offer them food. To learn more about this fascinating festival consider visiting the Lorong Koo Chet Sheng Hong Temple to witness the festivities or book a tour with Asia Paranormal Investigators (API).
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
