TOP FESTIVALS NOT TO MISS IN SINGAPORE

Singapore is a year-round destination!

Nevertheless, July-September is considered the festive season in Singapore and this is a great time to explore the many facets of the city-state.

PONGAL

Where: Campbell Lane in Little India
When: January

Pongal is celebrated by Tamilians (Tamil people originally from southern India) every year during the tenth month of the Tamil Calendar which falls around mid-January. It is one of the most celebrated festivals in Singapore. People throw away their old possessions to make a place for new beginnings. Singapore celebrates Pongal for four days.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

Where: Houses and Night Markets in Singapore
When: January – February depending on the Chinese calendar

The most remarkable Singapore event is the Chinese New Year. Beautifully decorated Chinese and Buddhist temples, mesmerizing performances of Chinese “Barongsaithe“ Lion and Dragon dance troops, and Chinese cuisines are the hallmark of New Year in Singapore. Take a walk in the night markets and get ready to be smitten by lights and festivities. Chinese New Year brings families close while they feast together and pray to their ancestors.

LANTERN FESTIVAL (MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL)

Where: Chinatown in Singapore

When: September

The lantern festival marks the end of the autumn harvest and the ascension of the Moon goddess Chang E to the moon. A thousand lanterns are lit by kids and families and sent in the direction of the moon. The lanterns lighting up the alley of Chinatown will take your breath away.

THAIPUSAM

Where: Long procession that takes place through the streets

When: February

Thaipusam is one of the most significant Singapore festivals. A thousand Hindu devotees thank Lord Murugan for his blessings and gifts.

The preparations start a month before with all the devotees following a strictly vegetarian diet. A long procession takes place: the devotees carry Kavadi while their bodies are pierced. They take this as a ceremonial sacrifice for Lord Murugan.

VESAK DAY

Where: All around Singapore

When: May

Vesak day is one of the most significant and holiest Singapore festivals. Vesak day falls on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The devotees get together to host a myriad of colorful prayer flags, light candles, and incense sticks, and sing hymns as offerings to Lord Buddha. Vesak marks the birth, enlightenment, and death of the great Lord Buddha.

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Where: Marina Reservoir

When: June

Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most delightful and patriotic festivals in Singapore. During the festival, they pay tribute to Qu Yuan who was a political minister known for his honesty, Longboats are racing with dragons’ heads rowed at the pace of the drums while people are cheering up for their favorite team.

HARI RAYA PUASA

Where: Singapore

When: May

Hari Raya Puasa is one of the holiest festivals of Muslims in Singapore. The holy day starts with a visit to the mosques early in the morning and continues with a visit to the graves of their loved ones. This is the best light festival in Singapore. Their homes are lit from the 20th day of Ramzan till the Hari Raya Puasa day. People consider it as the day that brings positivity and goodness into their lives.

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