Singapore - Culture buffs are in for a treat over the next few months as Singapore celebrates three festivals observed by the Malay, Chinese and Indian communities – Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Mid-Autumn Festival and Deepavali respectively – in quick succession. Illustrative of Singapore`s unique multi-cultural heritage, this confluence of festivals provides an ideal opportunity for visitors and locals to experience Singapore`s rich multi-cultural heritage and have a deeper appreciation of the ethnic festivities held throughout the period.
“Nowadays, travelers are increasingly looking for an intimate understanding and experience of a country`s culture and heritage. Singapore, with its multi-cultural landscape, provides visitors the perfect opportunity to experience three very rich and diverse cultures all on one island during this period,” said Ms Jeannie Lim, Deputy Director for Cluster Development, Sightseeing & Attractions, at the Singapore Tourism Board. “By marking these special occasions and celebrating with the locals, we hope that visitors will be immersed in the rich customs and traditions and enjoy a meaningful multi-faceted experience of Singapore`s unique heritage.”
Noting that visitors during the inaugural 2008 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix race period will also get to soak in the festive atmosphere of all three festivals, Ms Lim added that visitors will get to enjoy free walking tours of Kampong Glam, Chinatown and Little India. “These tours were very well-received when we introduced them last year and we have brought them back this year so that more visitors can experience the colourful sights, scents and sounds of our ethnic districts on a leisurely walk. We hope visitors will find uniquely personal moments and bring home these memorable gems.”
This year, the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations kick off the One City Three Festivals campaign at the end of August by offering a cultural buffet of events and festivities at both Geylang Serai and Kampong Glam.
The celebrations at Geylang Serai, where local Malay Muslims congregate during the festive period, are organised by Majlis Pusat (Central Council of Malay Cultural Organisations Singapore). The Hari Raya Light-Up at Geylang Serai will feature a very charming batik and kampong roof theme, fusing nostalgic and traditional aesthetics with the bright lights, arches and set-pieces that decorate the streets. There will also be hundreds of stalls selling food, apparel, trinkets, decorative items for the house, and other items related to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.
Commenting on the Hari Raya celebrations at Geylang Serai, Mr Zulkifli Mohammed, President of Majlis Pusat said, “We are very delighted at the prospect of organising the light-up once again in Geylang Serai. Every year, we cherish the opportunity to create the festive mood by putting in our very best efforts to make each event better than the last, and we hope that an even bigger crowd will visit Geylang Serai to celebrate the Ramadan spirit this year. The collaboration with various grassroots organisations, neighbouring shopkeepers, merchant associations and sponsors reflect the optimism and excitement that all the stakeholders have on this traditional Hari Raya festive event at Geylang Serai.”
Thousands of sparkling fairy lights will also adorn the streets of Kampong Glam, the historic seat of Malay royalty in the heart of the city. The Hari Raya Food & Goods Bazaar at Kandahar Street will start from 1 September, where some 40 stalls will offer a wide selection of local festive Malay cuisine as well as traditional handicrafts and goods.
The celebrations at Kampong Glam are part of the “Hari Raya @ The City” festivities, organised by the Jalan Besar Group Representative Constituency (GRC) Grassroots Organisations (GROs). “The event aims to bring people from different races and religions together to have a better understanding of the Malay and Muslim culture,” says Mr Daing M Farhan, Chairman of the Hari Raya @ The City Organising Committee. “A host of experiential activities have been organised for both locals and visitors. They can participate in the breaking of the fast, or Iftar, at the compound of the Sultan Mosque and Muscat Street, or spend enriching hours at the Malay Heritage Centre which will offer a weekend programme of cultural activities from ketupat-weaving demonstrations to Malay dances, traditional Malay martial arts (or Silat), and Kompang performances.”
The Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations at Kampong Glam are from 24 August to 5 October, and the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations at Geylang Serai are from 30 August to 12 October.
Source: http://www.asiatraveltips.com (August 18, 2008)