Singapore Hari Raya Puasa Holiday
Hari Raya Puasa is the celebration at the end of the Ramadan month of fasting. Under the Singapore Employment Act, public holidays for the upcoming years from Hari Raya Puasa 2020 are as follows:
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Jun 2019 | Wednesday | Hari Raya Puasa 2019 |
| 24 May 2020 | Sunday* | Hari Raya Puasa 2020 |
| 25 May 2020 | Monday | Hari Raya Puasa Holiday 2020 |
| 13 May 2021 | Thursday | Hari Raya Puasa 2021 |
| 3 May 2022 | Tuesday | Hari Raya Puasa 2022 |
| 22 Apr 2023 | Saturday | Hari Raya Puasa 2023 |
| 10 Apr 2024 | Wednesday | Hari Raya Puasa 2024 |
Note: Any holidays that fall on a Sunday will be replaced the following Monday. The dates in the table above are an estimate and will be updated once official dates are announced.
Discover the Best Ways of Celebrating Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore
Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday in Singapore, and is also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid al Fitr. It is a celebration by the Muslims to mark the end of the Ramadhan month.. The holy month of Ramadhan is approximately 30 days of dawn-to-dusk fasting, and is a period of sober repentance for the Muslims. The exact date of Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore varies from year to year because it is based on the lunar calendar. Additionally, it is a period for the muslins to observe self-restraint and to symbolize renewal and purification, asking for forgiveness for wrongs committed in the past. Interestingly, it is a norm where children seek for forgiveness from their parents for all wrongs committed in the past.
How the Celebrations for Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore take form
Hari Raya Puasa celebrations in Singapore begin as early as on the 20th day of Ramadhan. Muslims light oil lamps in the mosques and the lamps are allowed to burn until the end of the holy month of Ramadhan. On the actual day of Hari Raya Puasa, families will dress up in the same colour as a symbol of unity, and head to the mosque for prayers. In the afternoon, friends and families will gather in homes, mosques and other social locations for Thanksgiving feasts. The feasts usually feature food such as sambal, beef rendang, and longtong. Biscuits, cakes, cookies, pineapple tarts and sweets are also available. During the meals, they will ask for forgiveness and blessings from one another, and exchange duit Raya – gift envelopes with money given to the elderly and the children.
What to do during Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore
Regardless if you are a Muslim, Hari Raya Puasa is never a boring day. Here is a brief outlook of activities you can engage in to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore.
Visit Neighbours
Muslims are friendly and are happy to always invite more people to join them. The more the merrier! If you have Muslim neighbors, be ready to join them in feasting authentic delicacies when they invite you over! Don’t forget to wish them “Selamat Hari Raya,” which means to wish them a joyous celebration.
Kranji Countryside
The Kranji Countryside is a great place to breathe fresh air and enjoy the comfort of the open spaces. Many farms in the Kranji Countryside are open for public tour and visitors can purchase farm-fresh local produce during opening hours. During Hari Raya Puasa celebration, you may get to try out samples of freshly produce from the farmer’s market.
Enjoy the Festivals at Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island usually hosts exciting lineup of Malay performances to commemorate the day, including traditional dance routines, and the harmonious music featuring a blend of western and Malay tunes.
Visit Bazaar Ramadhan
Have you ever thought of getting a beautiful henna tattoo? If so, Bazaar Ramadhan located at Geylang is definitely the right place for you! On top of that, you can enjoy the beautiful sites along the streets while trying out a variety of food at the food stalls located there. Geyland Road and Sims Ave are the two locations you can spend the whole day hopping from one food stall to another, eating as much food as your stomach will possibly allow.
Stay Home
Being a public holiday in Singapore, some people will prefer spending time at home with families during Hari Raya Puasa. This is also possible! You can stay at home, but hands-on something that will reflect the spirit of the celebration such as trying out their menus. Whichever way you choose to celebrate the day, and whether or not you are a Muslim, there are plenty of exciting things you can do as you take a day off from work.
