SINGAPORE gears up to celebrate its annual Hari Raya Festival, a month-long cultural event celebrating the country’s rich Muslim roots.
The Hari Raya Festival is part of Singapore’s One City, Three Festivals festivities (August 14 to October 25, 2009). These festivities honour the country’s cultural diversity as it celebrates different cultural events from Singapore’s three main racial groups – Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Malay), mid-autumn festival (Chinese) and Deepavali (Indian).
To help visitors from the UAE enjoy the Ramadan festivities in Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Board with Singapore Airlines is offering special Ramadan packages to Singapore.
Packages start from Dh1,990 ($542) and include early morning breakfasts and a shuttle service to Singapore’s largest mosque – the Sultan Mosque – for evening prayers. UAE-based visitors can also participate in the iftar at the Sultan Mosque.
In addition, Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations at Geylang Serai offer guests a colourful street light-up including a batik and kampong roof theme in the precinct where the local muslim community traditionally congregate during Hari Raya.
UAE visitors are encouraged to join the crowds in the extensive street bazaars and be mesmerised by the sheer volume of items ranging from malay delicacies and festive fare, to traditional clothing, trinkets, and decorative items for the house. Middle East guests can also join in the iftar at the Khalid Mosque, or be serenaded by traditional music, as well as enjoy traditional Javanese and Malay dances at the Malay village every weekend.
Singapore’s Hari Raya celebrations at Kampong Glam runs until September 27, 2009.