Hari Raya Puasa Festivities in Singapore Double as Kampong Gelam joins Geylang Serai in Annual Festive Light-up

Hari Raya Puasa Celebrations in Singapore this year promises to be bigger and brighter with Kampong Gelam joining in the annual festive Hari Raya Light-up. The spectacle of lights and colourful street displays will start off at Geylang Serai from 1 October to 6 November and will be joined by Kampong Gelam from 22 October to 13 November. In all, the Hari Raya fun and festivities from 1 October to 13 November will stretch one and a half weeks longer than last year’s celebrations.

Organised jointly by the Majlis Pusat, Kampong Gelam Business Association, the Malay Heritage Centre and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan - a month-long fasting period - and is a significant celebration for Muslims. Besides the street light-up, the celebrations will include a showcase of Malay culture, heritage and festivities.

Celebrations at Geylang Serai

The Hari Raya Celebrations will be launched on 1 October at Geylang Serai by Mr George Yeo, Minister for Foreign Affairs. The opening ceremony will, for the first time, feature a street procession of 13 contingents of about 30 participants each. Among these are Silat, Kompang and Dikir Barat performers who will be showing various aspects of Malay culture. The procession will start from the Geylang Serai Vocational Training Centre and end at the Malay Village.

“These celebrations not only mark an important date on the Muslim calendar, they also symbolise the multi-racial and multi-religious character of Singapore society,” said Mr Mohd Yahya Zakaria, Deputy President, Majlis Pusat.

Besides the colourfully decorated streets, the lively atmosphere at Geylang Serai will be further heightened by the street bazaar which will feature more than 1000 stalls selling Malay traditional cakes and pastries, festive clothing and home furnishings. A new exhibition in a series on prominent Malay leaders will feature the late Harun Ghani who was a highly respected member of the Malay Community. This exhibition will run from 24 September to 31 March 2006 at the Malay Village.

Celebrations at Kampong Gelam

This year Kampong Gelam’s Arab Street, Baghdad Street, Bussorah Street, Bussorah Mall, Kandahar Street and Sultan Gate will be colourfully decorated and illuminated. Kampong Gelam is set to be abuzz with activity with the traditional food bazaar at Kandahar Street selling a mix of Malay, Indian and Middle-Eastern food and with various cafes opening till late into the night.

“There is always a special atmosphere at Kampong Gelam during Hari Raya,” said Dr Ameen Talib, Chairman, Kampong Gelam Business Association. “With the new activities at Malay Heritage Centre and the new street light-up this year, this occasion will be made more memorable both for Singaporeans and visitors.”

Officially opened in June this year, the Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) will be joining in the Hari Raya celebrations for the first time. There will be a special Ramadan and Hari Raya exhibition from 22 October to 13 November plus a host of activities ranging from cooking and ketupat-making demonstrations to evening performances. Besides the auction of traditional home accessories on the eve of Hari Raya Puasa, there will also be complimentary Iftar (breaking of fast) during the last seven days of the fasting month. Mr Marah Hoessein Salim, General Manager of the Malay Heritage Centre added, “We hope visitors to this historical district will soak in the unique atmosphere and gain an insight into the true spirit of the Malay and Muslim communities in Singapore.”

During the celebration period, the STB has put in place several promotions for visitors to sample local Malay food and experience the meaning of Ramadan with the local Muslim community. By just presenting their passports, visitors can obtain “Aidilfitri Welcome Meal” vouchers at the Changi Airport or Orchard Road Singapore Visitors Centres and present them at selected restaurants like Sabar Menanti Restaurant & Catering and Hajah Mainumah Restaurant & Catering within Kampong Gelam for a complimentary meal. In addition, The STB has also engaged selected hotels like Fragrance Hotel and Tristar Inn in the Geylang Serai and Golden Landmark Hotel at Kampong Gelam area to offer attractive hotel packages for visitors.

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