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Festivals in Singapore

The rich mixture of cultures in Singapore signifies that there is always a cultural event to celebrate, all through the year. These festivals are usually colorful events centred around religion, age-old myths and traditions or the family. During these times it is the ethnic quarters and temples of Geylang, Little India and Chinatown that come alive, but often a happy carnival atmosphere invades the suburbs, town centres, and even shopping malls, too. These are the some of the popular holiday destinations in the world.

Singapore is quite a culturally-open and sensitive society. The "open-house" concept where a family welcomes friends, relatives and any visitors who may wish to drop by to its home is a common practice during the major festivals like Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Chinese New Year. The celebration of festivals in Singapore are open to everybody and anybody, with just a few things to bare in mind remember to dress appropriately for the occasion and leave your shoes at the entrance of mosques and temples.

Every ethnic group in Singapore has its own festivals, mostly related to its religion. Almost every month of the year sees a celebration of some form or other, bringing a visual feast of color, pomp and ceremony which is enjoyed by the whole population. In a peaceful and harmonious society, Singaporeans respect and celebrate one another's festivals with relish.

There are numerous festivals in Singapore which are celebrated all round the year. The celebration of festivals in Singapore is the way to keep alive the liveliness and pleasant feeling among the people of Singapore. Every ethnic group or community in Singapore celebrates their own festivals associated with their religious beliefs with lot of enthusiasm and gaiety. Every month of the year sees a celebration of festivals in Singapore in some form or other.

The festivals in Singapore are a treat for the eyes as well as stomach. One can see the excitement in the faces of the people, color in the streets and ritual ceremonies to commemorate the Festivals in Singapore. The festivals in Singapore are not only the time for enjoyment of one particular community but by the entire population. Singapore is a fine example of secularism where the people respects each other's religious sentiments and celebrate and enjoy all the festivals in Singapore.

Some of the important festivals of Singapore are:

Thaipusam: Thaipusam is an auspicious festival of the Hindus, which is all about survival, resilience, persistence, determination, sacrifice and affliction. It is celebrated in Singapore in the month of October but according to the Hindu calendar it falls either in the month of January or February. Thaipusam is the day when the Goddess Parvati asked his son Murugan to annihilate the demons. In Singapore, the devotees begin their ceremonial journey by observing dietary retractions, meditation and prayers. Men pierce their bodies with barbs and metal clips to hold kavadis adorned with peacock feathers and filled with offerings. They cover the distance of 4 km from Sri Srinivasa Temple in Serangoon Road to Sri Thandayuthapani Temple in Tank Road carrying kavadis. Women and children carry pots of symbolic milk.

Vesak Day: Vesak or Buddha Day is an important Buddhist Festival of the Theravada Buddhists, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment and salvation of Buddha. The festival is celebrated in Singapore on the full moon day of the Lunar month of Vesakh, which falls on 30th April in Singapore. Vesak Day is observed in different manners all over the world. In Singapore, the celebration begins with the chanting of the Sutras by the monks and devotees in Buddhist Temples followed by ritual of releasing of small animals or confined birds. Buddhist youths also organize blood donation camps and giving away of gifts to the poor on this day. The festival in Singapore is concluded by a candle-lit procession being carried throughout the street.

Moon Cake or Mid-Autumn Festival:The Moon Cake or Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates the patriot Shu Yuan Zhang, who plotted to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Yuan dynasty in the 14th century, and is said to have passed his plans to his fellow rebels hidden in moon cakes. Hence today, these moon-shaped pastries with sweet fillings of red bean and lotus seed paste are exchanged as gifts. Lanterns of all shapes and sizes are carried in processions. In Singapore the Chinese Garden is the special venue for this most beautiful of all the Chinese festivals.

Chingay Parade Of Dreams: Chingay began in Singapore as an expression of communal unity and celebration in 1973 to replace the absence of the traditional firecrackers released every Chinese Year after its ban in 1972. The first procession was totally Chinese with a potpourri of stilt walkers, big-headed dolls, pugisitic groups, mini opera, prancing lion and dragon dancers and flag bearers. Today, Chingay has evolved to be the grandest street parade in Asia showcasing the rich, vibrant multi-culturalsim of Singapore, and the exotic and exciting cultures from all over the world.

Singapore fashion festival: It is one of the most glamor event of the year. It features the latest local and international designer fashion.

Deepavali: Deepavali is the festival of light and color celebrated in Singapore in the month of October or November. According to local mythology, a demon named Narakasura was the king of Pradvoshapuram. He was a cruel king who tortured the people and kidnapped the women and imprisoned them in his palace. Lord Krishna killed the demon and the day since then is celebrated as Deepavali. Deepavali is the festival of the Hindus who begin preparations for the festival two-week in advance. On the day of the festival, they get up early in the morning to take a ritual oil bath and wear new clothes. The people decorate their houses with oil lamps and burst firecrackers. This is one of the important festivals in Singapore celebrated by ethnic Indians.

There are many colorful festivals and events held in Singapore. At the beginning of the year, there is a festival called Chinese New Year which is at the beginning of the year celebrated by the majority of Chinese. There are two public holidays in which every household does spring cleaning in advance to welcome the New Year.

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