Hari Raya Puasa, Singapore - Festival of Grains

Singapore is a diverse travel destination where you can experience this stunning festival and make the most of your travel. Visit Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr which is known to be one of the most important Muslim festivals in Singapore. It is a joyous event that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims around the world. You can plan your Singapore tour package during this time and have a great holiday experience.

Date and Fasting Month

Hari Raya Puasa falls on the first day of the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, which is called Syawal. Before that is the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from morning to night and abstain from food, drink, and other luxuries, as a form of worship and spiritual reflection.

Who Fasts?

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is mandatory for all adult Muslims, except for certain groups such as children who have not reached the age of puberty, the elderly, the sick, pregnant or nursing women, and travellers. But those who miss their fast due to travel or illness are expected to make up for it later.

Breaking the Fast

Traditionally, the fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar. Families and communities come together to enjoy this meal, which includes a variety of delicious foods. Some mosques in Singapore also distribute rice porridge called Bubur Lambuk during Ramadan nights. Additionally, in areas such as Geylang and Jalan Bussorah, the streets come alive with the vibrant colours and aromas of Malay food sold for Iftar.

Prayers and Giving Back

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims perform additional prayers called tarawih, which are performed in the evening after the mandatory night prayer (Isha). These prayers are a feature of Ramadan and are usually held in large numbers in mosques or public prayer rooms. In addition, Muslims are also encouraged to give back to their communities by paying Zakat Fitrah, a form of religious tithe aimed at supporting the less fortunate.

Hari Raya Puasa Celebrations in Singapore

Hari Raya Puasa is a time for forgiveness, gratitude, and strengthening relationships within the Muslim community. On the morning of Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims gather in mosques to offer special prayers and ask for blessings for the coming year. It is also a time for personal reflection and apologising to elders and family members for any wrongdoing. Many people visit the graves of deceased family members to remember them and pay tribute to them.

Food and Traditions

Food plays a central role in the Hari Raya Puasa celebration in Singapore and can be explored on your Singapore trip packages. Families prepare sumptuous meals of traditional dishes such as beef rendang (spicy beef curry), ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in coconut leaves), and lontong (rice cakes in coconut sauce). Apart from these savoury dishes, you can also try sweet treats like cookies, cakes, and pineapple tarts. Houses are decorated with decorations and lights, creating a festive atmosphere in the entire area.

Let’s Travel to Singapore with Pickyourtrail

Hari Raya Puasa is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude for Muslims in Singapore. It is a celebration of faith, community and cultural heritage, marked by prayers, celebrations, and acts of generosity towards those in need. Book Singapore packages with Pickyourtrail and explore the best of Singapore just the way you want! See you soon.