Popular Religious Celebrations in Singapore

Popular Religious Celebrations in Singapore

A family get-together, bright and colorful evening, music, dance and a dinner! Seems perfect in a secular multi-religious country like Singapore.

The traditions and practices is a time of special importance which are kept alive in Singapore with the celebration of festivals which are marked by adherents to their religion.

Celebration in Singapore is equally diverse and multifaceted as compared to its multi-cultural population.

Singapore is known for its frequent indulgence in celebrations. Celebration of the top ten festivals is detailed below.

Chinese New Year

Religious Celebrations in Singapore - 2012 Chinese New Year

The most important festival of the year for the Singaporeans, Chinese New year is celebrated as a public holiday in January or February with loads of activities like the cymbals clashing, lions dancing, etc.

You will sense tons and tons of excitement on the roads of Chinatown, a major of hub of this festival.

The elders and kids get lucky as they are gifted the Hong Bao (red packets with money).

Chingay Parade

Religious Celebrations in Singapore - 2005 Chingay Parade

This is the Asia’s largest and grandest annual street parade which features performances, dances, acrobatics and music.

The grace and importance of such street art has reached heights as you will find troupes from all over the world perform.

Don’t miss out on the chingay parade of spectacular meters of dragon-in-the-sky and cultural performances with magnificent floats.

Thaipusam

A rich legend lies behind the celebration of this Hindu festival on a full moon night of January-February dedicated to Lord Muruga.

The devotees fast for approx. 48 before the festival and shave their head on the day of festive.

You will also find acts like tongue, cheeks and skin piercing with skewers.

Hungry Ghost Festival

A myth is associated with this festival; the Chinese believed that during the seventh month the gates of the hell are opened for menacing spirits to wander in search of food.

They offer burn joss sticks, food and stage Chinese operas to placate these spirits.

Due to this inauspicious time, any ventures, marriages, etc are suspended.

2011 Hungry Ghost Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival

Also referred as Mooncake or Lantern Festival, this occasion is dedicated to the moon worship.

This colorful festival cannot be missed with a camera where you can capture giant lantern displays, mini-stalls selling paper lantern in various shapes and sizes and to forget the traditional mooncake delicacy.

Also look out for the culinary adventures.

Hari Raya Puasa

The term “Hari Raya” means the day of celebration of Ramadan, the fasting month by the Muslim community.

It is called off on a public holiday basis and you will find friends and relatives including the non Muslim are visiting each other’s place for feast after the special morning payers.

Thimithi

Religious Celebrations in Singapore - Thimithi Fire Walking

Also marked as “Fire walking festival” Thimithi is celebrated by the Hindus with great enthusiasm in the month of October.

This festival is dedicated to the devotion and courage of the Goddess Draupati who was made to walk bare foot on the burning coals to prove her fidelity to her husband. The way is stretched from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Mariamman Temple.

Deepavali

Famously called as “The festival of Lights” Deepavali is a major festival of The Hindus and The Sikhs celebrated to mark the victory of good over the evil.

You will find decorative and attractive lamps of all sizes lit every nook and corner to guide the souls of the departed.

Nine Emperor Gods

A total nine-day Taoist celebration to Nine Emperor Gods on the eve of ninth month to invoke and welcome them.

Procession is held from the temples to the sea-shore as they are believed to arrive through the waterways.

It is believed that they care for the sick and bring luck to the living.

Christmas

The Christmas spirit is kept alive with spectacular decorations on the Orchard Road. You can try counting the colors of this colorful evening. visit Christmas in Singapore

Valentine's Day

Although it is not religious but Valentine’s day is, on a lighter vein a holiday that was created and publicized by Hallmark. It is a holiday commercialized by industry but we all know that in more ways than one, it extends beyond that. It has progressively become a day to celebrate with loved ones and not just with the love of your life.

If you happened to be around in Singapore on Feb 14th. Here are couple things you can do to celebrate Valentine’s day in Singapore

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