Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Name: Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Start: 2025-03-30
Location: Kampong Glam

Singapore’s Spring Festival of Forgiveness, Family, and Blessings

2026/03/19

Every spring, Singapore is wrapped in the vibrant spirit and unity of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. This festival, which marks the end of Ramadan, is not only a highlight for Muslims but also a wonderful opportunity for travelers to experience Malay culture and the warmth of Singapore’s multicultural society. The sparkling streets of Kampong Glam, the aroma of rendang simmering in family kitchens, and the smiles and greetings exchanged at open houses—all are filled with gratitude, renewal, and the joy of connection.

Homes are adorned with twinkling lights and ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in palm leaves), the call to prayer echoes from mosques at dawn, and the scents of coconut and spices drift through the city. This festival, where tradition and modernity blend, invites you on a sensory journey into the richness of Malay culture and the diversity of Singapore.

Main Attractions

Kampong Glam Festivals & Bazaars

Kampong Glam, Singapore’s historic Malay district, is the liveliest area during Hari Raya. Streets sparkle with lights, bazaars overflow with traditional attire, handmade crafts, and delicious food. The rhythms of kompang drums, zapin dances, and the laughter of families fill the air.

Open Houses and Family Gatherings

The heart of Hari Raya is “family reunion.” After morning prayers at the mosque, it’s tradition to visit the homes of relatives and friends in a series of “open houses,” where everyone is warmly welcomed. Tables are laden with ketupat, rendang, satay, and colorful kueh (traditional sweets), and greetings and words of forgiveness are exchanged throughout the day.

Costumes and Decorations

Men wear baju melayu (loose shirts and trousers, a sampin sash, and a songkok cap), while women dress in beautifully embroidered baju kurung or kebaya in festive colors. Homes are decorated with ketupat ornaments, lights, and flowers, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Traditional Cuisine & Sweets

Hari Raya is also a festival of food. Ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in palm leaves), rendang (spiced beef stew), sayur lodeh (coconut curry), satay, and colorful kueh (traditional sweets) fill the table, with the scents of coconut, lemongrass, and spices adding to the festive mood.

Cultural and Historical Background

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (also known as Hari Raya Puasa) is a festival marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. The name means “the great day of celebration,” and it’s a time for Muslims to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and renew bonds with family and community. In Singapore, it has grown from intimate family gatherings to a national holiday celebrated by people of all backgrounds as a symbol of coexistence and respect.

Rooted in Malay culture and Islamic tradition, Hari Raya is now celebrated as an open, multicultural festival through open houses, bazaars, and public events. It remains a “living tradition” celebrating forgiveness, sharing, and connection.

Participant Voices

Even though I’m not Muslim, I was invited to a colleague’s open house and was moved by the warm hospitality and delicious food. I even learned how to fold ketupat, and felt like I truly belonged to the community.

Fun Facts

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a national holiday celebrated by over 800,000 Muslims and their families and friends in Singapore.
It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
At open houses, “green packets” (duit raya) are given to children and young people as festive gifts.

Festival Dates

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is celebrated every spring throughout Singapore, especially in Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai. Join morning mosque prayers, explore festive bazaars, and experience the joy and hospitality of Singapore’s warmest multicultural tradition.