Hari Raya Light Up Geylang Serai 2024
As Muslims in Singapore wrap up their fasting month of Ramadan, they welcome the joyous occasion of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also called Hari Raya Puasa. This festival marks the culmination of Ramadan, a period of solemn contemplation, worship, empathy, and daily fasting from dawn to dusk for about 30 days.
Explore how Singapore embraces the festivities of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and discover ways to engage in the celebrations.
Hari Raya Illumination & Geylang Serai Market
In the lead-up to Hari Raya, Geylang Serai becomes vibrant with colorful lights along Sims Avenue and Changi Road, fostering a festive ambiance stretching between Paya Lebar and Eunos MRT stations. Adding to the excitement is the Geylang Serai Bazaar, running from March 8 to April 10, 2024, boasting over 500 stalls offering a diverse array of food, beverages, and cultural activities for visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
Reflection and Festivity
During Hari Raya Aidilfitri, many Malay families in Singapore dress in coordinated traditional attire—men in ‘baju Melayu’ and women in ‘baju kurung.’ The day commences with special prayers at the mosque, followed by visits to parents and elders to seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings. Further visits to relatives and friends follow, with home-cooked feasts awaiting all.
Delicious Delights
Guests invited to Hari Raya meals indulge in a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including beef rendang, sayur lodeh, sambal, served with fluffy white rice and ketupat. Desserts are equally tantalizing, featuring treats like ondeh-ondeh and putu piring, providing a sweet finale to the festive spread.
A Celebration of Culture and Vibrancy
Hari Raya Aidilfitri witnesses a revival of traditional attire, with Muslim women donning the baju kurung, often paired with a matching tudung. Crafted from silk or hand-dyed batik, the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and meticulous embroidery on the baju’s collar make these ensembles a sight to behold. Despite their traditional origins, these outfits remain popular for their comfort and suitability in Singapore’s warm climate.
Geylang Serai Bazaar: Epicenter of Celebrations
At the heart of the festivities lies the Geylang Serai Bazaar, setting the stage for Hari Raya Aidilfitri a month ahead of the celebration. This year’s theme, #SemangatRaya or “Spirit of Raya,” permeates the bazaar, offering an immersive experience for attendees from March 8 to April 10, 2024, coinciding with the Ramadan fasting month.
Date: 8 Mar – 10 April 2024
