Tag: singapore festivals

[Compiled] Here Are ALL The Highlights From This Year’s Singapore Night Festival!

If you weren’t in the vicinity of Bras Basah and Bugis last weekend, you (almost) missed out on one of the most spectacular night festivals in 2016! This year’s Singapore Night Festival went off with a bang, and the streets of Bras Basah and Bugis came to life with beautiful art installations, light projections, roving performers and plays.

This year’s theme was fittingly named “Innovations and Inventions”, the perfect entanglement of 19th century industrialisation interwoven with design. We created a list of highlights from this year’s Singapore Night Festival which was definitely worth the crowd!

(Image credit: (Image credit:
(Image credit: Peranakan Museum)

By far one of the busiest zones, Armenian street was chock full of roving street performers, live music and art installations. Couples danced the night away in the pedestrian only streets swaying along to the music presented by the Substation.

Looking for something to pull you into a world of wonder ? House of Curiosities may just be thing you’re looking for. Based on the storyline of The Mechanical Heart, it tells the heartwarming story of inventor Professor Chambers and his son Christopher. Eccentric and featuring steampunk creations and Victoria era art and fashion, this exhilarating performance is a must-catch during the Singapore Night Festival.

Ticket price: $16 (Adults), $13 (Concession*) Inclusive of $1 SISTIC Fee
Timing: 6 – 8pm, 8.30 -10.30pm, 11pm – 1am

Zone 4: Singapore Management University

(Image credit: Yahoo.com)

If you’re looking to kickback with friends over drinks and light snacks, head on over to Campus Green of the Singapore Management University. Offering a barrage of bites, drinks and small knick knacks, this is a zone for all you foodies!

Zone 5: Singapore Art Museum, Queen Street, Waterloo Street and National Design Centre

(Image credit: (Image credit: Singapore Art Museum)

End your night at the Singapore Art Museum, the facade becomes the backdrop of light projections. Sit back and admire the complex light show move across the buildings complementing the architecture of this national attraction.

If you missed out on this awe-inspiring showcase of art, lights and sound. Do not fret! The Singapore Night Festival continues this weekend, 26-27 August (this is your last chance! Don’t say we didn’t warn you!) So bring your friends, family and significant other to this extra-special weekend out!

Selamat Hari Raya! 7 Unique Facts About Ramadan You Never Knew

Also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Puasa is the most prominent and celebrated occasion in the Muslim community. Do you know that Hari Raya means “grand day of rejoicing” and Puasa means “fasting”? This festival marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and the start of a new month, Syawal.

Whether you are planning on visiting your Muslim friends during this Hari Raya Puasa or planning to head down to the Geylang Serai Bazaar, here’re 7 interesting things about Hari Raya Puasa you probably didn’t know.

1. Fasting Is One Of Islam’s Five Pillars

The importance of fasting among Muslims cannot be overemphasised. Prior to the festival, Ramadan is a period of sober repentance for Muslims. The purpose is to cultivate self-discipline. Besides fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims also refrain from smoking, sexual activities, and any sinful behaviour.

As one of Islam’s five pillars, the act of fasting is done for atonement, to express gratitude and empathy for the needy. After a month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr then marks the end of Ramadan as Muslims celebrate.

2. Muslims Have To Pay Taxes During Ramadan

Yes, compulsory taxes. Announced by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, annual taxes are to be contributed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat serves principally as the welfare contribution to poor and deprived individuals.

3. Gongsi Raya Is A Thing

From 1996 to 1998, Hari Raya Puasa and Chinese New Year actually fell on the same week! Double celebrations then occurred amongst the Chinese and Muslim communities, which eventually led to the term “Gongsi Raya” or “Kongsi Raya”. Originating from Malaysia, the term was eventually accepted by Singaporeans to commemorate the two festivals.

These two occasions brought about a shared experience and respect for ethnic diversity and understanding of cultural differences. It fostered closer ties between the Muslims and the Chinese. House visiting was also more convenient as the majority of homes were open for visitations.

4. Oil Lamps Were Used To Attract Spirits And Angels

Oil lamps known as pelita or panjut are lit from the 20th day of Ramadan to attract spirits and angels alike. It is also believed to bring blessings to people’s homes during the night of Lailatul Qadar. These lights continue to shine brightly until the end of the festival.

Nowadays, the oil lamps are lit only for decorative purposes. Many families now use LED lights instead.

5. Traditional Outfits Used To Be Tailored Or Hand-sewn

In the past, most Malay traditional outfits were tailored (tempah) and had to be sent to respective tailors weeks before Hari Raya Puasa. Women, on the other hand, used to design and sew their outfits. Due to the busy lifestyles of Singaporeans, however, many have decided to avoid the hassle by simply shopping for their outfits online.

As part of the occasion, men don on the songkok and sinjang while the ladies wear their baju kurong or kebaya. Most families will probably spot thematic outfits, demonstrating the importance of family.

6. The Celebration Begins With Grave Visitations

The first day after Ramadan is a busy one. Muslims wake up early and begin their day with a trip to the mosque for special prayers. This is swiftly followed with visiting the graves of departed family members for an offering of “doa” (prayer verses).

During the evenings, Muslims visit the mosque to recite the Takbīr, which means “God is great”.

7. Ketupat Is Traditionally Served

While dressed in their best, friends and relatives visit each other and dig into delicious food. Visitations are also a sign of respect and an act of renewing relationships.

If you’re lucky enough to be invited for a meal, get ready to indulge in a lavish spread of beef rendang (spicy beef stew), sayur lodeh (vegetables cooked in coconut milk gravy) paired with sambal (chilli paste).

One of the must-have dishes, however, would be the ketupat. Not only served as a dish, it is also commonly used as a decorative object. Often, Muslim mothers will pass the tradition of weaving ketupat cases down to their children. Ketupat cases woven from colourful ribbons also typically adorn Malay homes during this festive period.

If you’re partaking in the festivities, do don on a bright outfit and bask in the festive atmosphere! Though Singapore only has one official public holiday, the celebrations of Hari Raya Puasa extend to three days, and for some, up to a month! For non-Muslims, do greet your Muslim friends, “Selamat Hari Raya”!

Do note that when visiting a Muslim home, attire is important. Avoid visiting in shorts, ripped jeans, sleeveless tops or skimpy dresses as your dressing may be perceived as a sign of disrespect.

(Header image by Also, read 8 Geylang Serai Bazaar Street Snacks Worth Braving The Heat For!