'Hari Raya Aidilfitri' in Singapore: Festivities, Food, and Traditions

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - After fasting for a whole month in the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world welcome the day of victory and celebration, known as Eid al-Fitr. This day is also celebrated by the Muslims in Singapore.

Although Singapore is not a country with a Muslim majority, the atmosphere of Eid al-Fitr is still lively with various unique traditions and celebrations, from decorating houses to enjoying special festive dishes with family. According to Visit Singapore, Timeout Travel, Sassy Mama, and Roots, this is how Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in Singapore.

About Eid al-Fitr in Singapore

For your information, Eid al-Fitr is one of the important celebrations for Muslims worldwide, falling on the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, Syawal. It also marks the end of Ramadan.

Unlike Christmas, which is celebrated on the same date every year, Islamic commemorations and celebrations, including Eid al-Fitr, can vary annually. This is because the determination is based on the Hijri calendar, which uses the moon's movement as a reference for calculation.

In Singapore, the Muslim community celebrates at least two big celebrations: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Because it comes after the fasting of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is also known as "Hari Raya Puasa" in the Lion City.

This year, based on information from Sassy Mama, Eid al-Fitr in Singapore falls on March 31, 2025. Is this celebration a national holiday? Yes, Eid al-Fitr is designated as a national holiday in Singapore, lasting only for 1 day, specifically on the day of the celebration.

Traditions of Eid al-Fitr in Singapore

Similar to other Southeast Asian countries, here are several Eid al-Fitr traditions in Singapore that are almost always present every year.

1. Exchanging Eid Greetings

"Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!" Muslims in Singapore, as well as in other countries with Muslims, have the habit of exchanging greetings. This greeting is often accompanied by the expression "maaf zahir dan batin," which roughly translates to "I seek your forgiveness, outwardly and inwardly."

2. Performing Congregational Prayers at the Mosque

Muslims in Singapore begin the celebration by performing Eid prayers throughout the country. This worship is carried out in the morning, as the sun rises. After performing the prayer, congregants usually shake hands and exchange Eid greetings.

3. Visiting Family and Seeking Forgiveness

Eid al-Fitr is an opportunity for family members to visit each other. Due to the influence of Malay culture, Muslims in Singapore do not forget to wear the traditional attire known as "baju kurung" during Eid al-Fitr.

It's not just about visiting and eating together, but also about seeking forgiveness from other family members, especially from younger individuals to older ones. They also extend the same gesture to friends and colleagues.

4. Decorating the Home

Before welcoming family members, Muslims often clean and decorate their homes a few days before Eid al-Fitr. This is similar to the Chinese ethnic tradition of decorating their homes with red decorations during the Lunar New Year.

Muslims in Singapore follow the same practice. They beautify every corner of their homes with twinkling lights and green and gold ornaments.

5. Distributing Eid Money Packets

Another tradition that is similar to the Lunar New Year is the distribution of green packets or "duit raya." These green packets contain money and are often given by older family members to children and young relatives.

6. Flocking to Ramadan Bazaars

There are Ramadan bazaars in Singapore leading up to Eid al-Fitr, and these places are often crowded with visitors. Several locations, such as Geylang Serai and Kampong Gelam, have become the centers of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the Lion City.

These night markets or Ramadan bazaars offer various items, from traditional clothing and decorative ornaments to special culinary delights.

Special Eid al-Fitr Dishes in Singapore

Eid al-Fitr is incomplete without delicious dishes served to family and guests. In Singapore, various traditional dishes are prepared to celebrate this special day. Visit Singapore shares several Eid al-Fitr dishes.

1. Ketupat

Ketupat is a traditional Eid dish usually on the dining table during Eid al-Fitr. This food consists of compressed rice cake wrapped in palm leaves. Ketupat is best enjoyed with savory dishes or rendang.

2. Rendang

If there's ketupat, there must be rendang just like in Indonesia. This dish is made from meat, usually beef, cooked with various spices and coconut milk, creating a rich flavor on the palate.

3. Sayur Lodeh Lontong

Sayur lodeh lontong is a soup dish usually made with coconut milk and comes with various side dishes, such as sambal eggs, noodles, and lontong, which is similar to ketupat.

4. Kueh

Are there no snacks or desserts? The Muslim community in Singapore often enjoys kueh during Eid al-Fitr. This snack is made from rice flour, brown sugar, coconut milk, and pandan leaves, and it is easily recognizable by its colorful layered appearance. Kueh is similar to a layer cake in Indonesia.

TIMEOUT | VISIT SINGAPORE

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