Ramadan Hari Raya Guide in Singapore

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Muslims all around the world gear up for a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection. On that note, Ramadan Hari Raya in Singapore is celebrated with much fervor and excitement, making it a truly unique and special time of year. From the bustling bazaars to the dazzling lights that adorn the streets, the festive spirit is palpable everywhere you turn.

In this guide, we’ll take you on to experience Ramadan Hari Raya in Singapore, from the most delicious iftar spots to the most vibrant Hari Raya festivities. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, get ready to immerse yourself in the joy and excitement of these celebrations, as we bring you the ultimate Ramadan Hari Raya Guide in Singapore.

Ramadan holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims in Singapore, as it provides an opportunity to deepen one’s connection with Allah through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity.

Beyond its religious significance, Ramadan is also a time for family and community bonding, with many families coming together to break their fasts and share meals.

The month is also marked by an increased focus on giving back to the community, with many charitable organizations and individuals stepping up to support those in need.

In Singapore, Ramadan serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, compassion, and generosity, making it a truly significant and cherished time for all.

Ramadan in Singapore

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth and self-discipline, where Muslims focus on charity, forgiveness, and seeking Allah’s blessings. It is a time of increased worship and devotion, where mosques are filled with worshippers who recite the Quran and perform additional prayers.

Customs and practices during Ramadan:

If you’re looking for delicious food to break your fast during Ramadan in Singapore, there are many great options to choose from.

• Zam Zam Restaurant: serves traditional murtabak and biryani
• Bussorah Street: a pedestrianized street with various halal eateries
• Geylang Serai Market: offers a wide range of halal dishes
• The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens: upscale dining experience with iftar buffets and various cuisines
• Carousel at Royal Plaza on Scotts: offers iftar buffets with various cuisines
• Atrium Restaurant at Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium: upscale dining experience with iftar buffets and various cuisines

These locations are all great options for breaking your fast during Ramadan in Singapore, whether you’re looking for traditional fare or a more upscale dining experience.

Hari Raya in Singapore

Hari Raya, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by Muslims in Singapore. It marks the end of the month-long fasting period of Ramadan and is a time for family, friends, and feasting. Here’s an overview of the festival, traditional practices, and the best places to experience Hari Raya festivities in Singapore.

Hari Raya is a time for Muslims to celebrate their achievements during Ramadan, with a focus on gratitude, forgiveness, and generosity. It is a joyous occasion that brings families together to feast, exchange gifts and visits relatives and friends. Many Muslims also dress up in traditional clothes and attend prayer sessions at mosques or prayer halls.

Recommended food places for iftar (breaking fast) in Singapore

If you’re in Singapore during Ramadan and looking for delicious food to break your fast, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here’s a short guide to some popular iftar spots in Singapore:

• Arab Street: Try Middle Eastern dishes such as shawarma and kebab, as well as local Malay cuisines like nasi padang and mee soto.
• Geylang Serai Bazaar: This bazaar features a wide variety of halal food stalls, including satay, grilled seafood, and traditional Malay dishes.
• Ramadan Bazaar at Wisma Geylang Serai: This bazaar offers traditional Malay snacks and desserts such as kuih, ondeh ondeh, and putu piring.

These locations are all popular iftar destinations in Singapore and are guaranteed to offer a range of delicious halal food options. Whether you’re looking for Middle Eastern or local Malay cuisine, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds.

Shopping for Hari Raya

If you’re looking to do some shopping for Hari Raya in Singapore, there are plenty of markets and bazaars to explore. Here’s a short guide to some popular destinations for Hari Raya shopping, traditional clothing and accessories to look out for, and the best deals and discounts during the festive season.

Popular markets and bazaars for Hari Raya shopping

One of the most popular destinations for Hari Raya shopping is the Geylang Serai Bazaar, which features a variety of stalls selling everything from traditional Malay clothing to festive decorations and food. Other popular markets include the Hari Raya Bazaar at Singapore Expo and the Tampines Hari Raya Bazaar.

Traditional clothing and accessories for Hari Raya

Hari Raya is a time for Muslims to dress up in traditional clothing and accessories, such as baju kurung, baju melayu, and songkok. Women also wear hijabs or tudungs, which come in a variety of styles and colors. Look out for vendors selling these items at the markets and bazaars, and don’t forget to haggle for the best prices!

Best deals and discounts during the festive season

During Hari Raya, many shops and vendors offer special deals and discounts to celebrate the festive season. Look out for promotions on traditional clothing and accessories, festive decorations, and food items. You may also find discounts on electronics and home appliances at major shopping centers such as Orchard Road and VivoCity.

Most Popular Ramadan Bazaars in Singapore

1. Geylang Serai Bazaar: This is one of the largest and most popular Ramadan bazaars in Singapore. It’s held in the Geylang Serai area and features a wide range of food and drink stalls, as well as other vendors selling clothes, accessories, and gifts.
2. Woodlands Ramadan Bazaar: Located in the Woodlands area of Singapore, this bazaar is known for its wide range of halal food options, as well as stalls selling clothing, toys, and other items.
3. Tampines Ramadan Bazaar: This bazaar is held in the Tampines area of Singapore and is known for its diverse range of food options, including both traditional Malay dishes and modern fusion cuisine.
4. Bazaar Raya @ Our Tampines Hub: This bazaar is held at Our Tampines Hub and features a wide range of food stalls, as well as vendors selling clothing, accessories, and gifts.
5. Pasar Ramadan @ Tekka Centre: This bazaar is held in the Little India area of Singapore and features a wide range of traditional Malay and Indian food options, as well as other vendors selling clothing and other items.
6. Kampung Admiralty Ramadan Bazaar: This bazaar is located in the Admiralty area of Singapore and features a wide range of halal food options, as well as other vendors selling clothing, accessories, and gifts.

8 Tips for first-time visitors in Singapore during Ramadan

1. Be Respectful: Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims, and it’s important to respect their customs and beliefs. Be mindful of dressing modestly, avoiding public displays of affection, and refraining from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
2. Visit a Ramadan Bazaar: Ramadan bazaars are a popular tradition in Singapore, offering a wide range of local food and drink options. These bazaars are typically held in the evening and offer a festive atmosphere.
3. Plan your Meals: During Ramadan, many restaurants and cafes in Singapore may be closed during the day, and eating options may be limited. Plan your meals accordingly, and consider booking iftar (breaking of fast) meals in advance.
4. Experience the Nightlife: During Ramadan, Singapore comes alive at night, with many activities and events happening after sunset. From cultural performances to night markets, there’s always something to do.
5. Attend Prayers: Visiting a mosque to attend prayer during Ramadan can be a unique and interesting experience. Just be sure to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
6. Be Aware of Prayer Times: During Ramadan, prayer times are particularly important for Muslims, and certain areas may become more congested during these times. Plan your travel accordingly to avoid any inconvenience.
7. Learn about the Culture: Take some time to learn about the customs and traditions of Ramadan and Islam. This can help you better understand and appreciate the significance of the month for Muslims in Singapore.
8. Enjoy the Festivities: Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Ramadan in Singapore. From the colorful decorations to the delicious food, there’s a lot to see and experience.

Understanding the Concept of Charity during Ramadan and Hari Raya

Giving is an important aspect of many celebrations, including Hari Raya and Ramadan. Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need, and this can take many forms, such as donating money or food to charity or helping out at a local soup kitchen. Giving is seen as a way to express gratitude for one’s blessings and to share with others who may be less fortunate.

Ways to donate and support charitable causes in Singapore

There are many ways to donate and support charitable causes in Singapore. Some popular options include donating money to organizations such as the Muslim Healthcare Assistance Fund or the Singapore Red Cross, volunteering at a local soup kitchen or food bank, or participating in fundraising events such as charity runs or walks.

Additionally, many mosques and community centers organize charity drives during Ramadan and Hari Raya, collecting food and other essentials to distribute to those in need.

Foods to try during Hari Raya in Singapore

1. Ketupat: This is a popular Malay rice cake that’s typically eaten during Hari Raya. It’s made by wrapping rice in coconut leaves and boiling it until it’s cooked.
2. Rendang: This is a rich and flavorful beef or chicken dish that’s slow-cooked with coconut milk and a blend of spices, including lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric. It’s often served with rice or ketupat.
3. Lontong: This is a dish made from compressed rice cake that’s cut into small pieces and served with a curry sauce made from coconut milk, spices, and vegetables.
4. Lemang: This is a sticky rice dish that’s cooked inside bamboo tubes over an open flame. It’s often served with rendang or curry.
5. Kueh: This refers to a wide range of traditional Malay cakes and desserts, which can be sweet or savory. Some popular kueh include ondeh-ondeh (glutinous rice balls filled with palm sugar and coated in grated coconut), kueh lapis (a layered cake made from rice flour and coconut milk), and kueh bangkit (a light and delicate cookie made from tapioca flour and coconut milk).
6. Ayam masak merah: This is a spicy and sweet chicken dish that’s cooked in a tomato-based sauce with spices such as ginger, garlic, and chili. It’s often served with rice or ketupat.
7. Bubur lambuk: This is a porridge made from rice, meat, and spices that’s typically served during Ramadan and Hari Raya. It’s often given out to the community as a charitable act.

Video: RAMADAN IFTAR in Singapore – Halal Islamic Food

In this video, the vlogger shares their experience of spending Ramadan in Singapore, having been invited by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). This was the vlogger’s first time experiencing Ramadan away from home, and they were unsure of what to expect.

However, they were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to practice Ramadan in Singapore and how aware, accommodating, and respectful the country is towards Muslims.

The vlogger also made a new friend, Shahril Wahid, who is from the Ethnic Malay Muslim community in Singapore, and he showed them around and shared his insights.

The vlogger said that they enjoyed the experience so much that they would do it again and even bring their family along.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Ramadan in Singapore, and how long does it last?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims around the world, including Singapore. The exact start and end dates of Ramadan vary each year, as they are determined by the lunar calendar. In 2023, Ramadan is expected to begin around April 2 and end around May 1.

2. What are the fasting hours during Ramadan in Singapore?

The fasting hours during Ramadan in Singapore vary depending on the time of year and the location within the country. Generally, Muslims in Singapore fast from dawn until sunset, which can be between 12 and 14 hours per day.

3. Is it compulsory for everyone in Singapore to fast during Ramadan?

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, but it is not compulsory for everyone. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, and those who are ill or traveling are exempt from fasting. However, many non-Muslims in Singapore also choose to participate in the spirit of solidarity and respect for the culture and traditions of their Muslim friends and colleagues.

4. Are there any exemptions from fasting during Ramadan?

Yes, there are several exemptions from fasting during Ramadan, including those who are traveling, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, and those who are ill or have health conditions that make fasting dangerous or harmful to their health.

5. What are some traditional foods eaten during Ramadan in Singapore?

Traditional foods eaten during Ramadan in Singapore include dates, which are often eaten to break the fast at sunset, as well as dishes like nasi padang, mee soto, and murtabak. Other popular foods include kebabs, biryani, and various types of curry.

6. Are there any special events or celebrations during Ramadan in Singapore?

Yes, there are several special events and celebrations during Ramadan in Singapore, including the Geylang Serai Bazaar, which features a wide variety of halal food, clothing, and gift stalls, as well as cultural performances and activities. Other events include charity drives and fundraising efforts, mosque visits, and communal iftar meals.

7. What is Hari Raya Puasa, and how is it celebrated in Singapore?

Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan and is a time for celebrating with family and friends. In Singapore, Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated with traditional Malay dishes like ketupat and rendang, as well as visits to the homes of family and friends to exchange greetings and gifts.

8. Are there any rules or customs to follow during Ramadan in Singapore?

Yes, there are several rules and customs to follow during Ramadan in Singapore, including respecting those who are fasting by refraining from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours, dressing modestly, and being mindful of prayer times and the spiritual significance of the month.

Final Thoughts

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the excitement and anticipation for the celebrations in Singapore continue to grow. The rich cultural heritage and traditions of Hari Raya, combined with the vibrant energy of Singapore, create a truly unique and memorable experience.

From the delicious foods to the colorful decorations and lively bazaars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this festive time. We hope that this guide has provided you with some insights into the wonderful world of Ramadan Hari Raya in Singapore and that it has inspired you to explore and experience all that this special time has to offer. Selamat Hari Raya!

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