February 19, 2026 | 03:04 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Hari Raya Eid al-Fitr is drawing near. A question often surfaces: what exactly sets it apart from Hari Raya Haji? While one celebrates a spiritual achievement of self-discipline, the other serves as a sacred symbol of faith and sacrifice.
To clear up any confusion and help you to navigate the subtle differences between both traditions, welcome to the Hari Raya guide in Singapore.
Hari Raya Puasa
Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Eid al-Fitr, marks the successful completion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It is time for Muslim to celebrate the completion of a month-long commitment to self-discipline, prayer, and fasting from dawn to sunset.
For 2026, the festivities in Singapore are expected to begin around March 21, depending on the sighting of the moon.
Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji, which translates from Malay as "the great day of the Haj", is also widely recognized as Aidiladha or Eid al-Adha, an important period of obedience to the will of Allah SWT. It honors the trials of the Prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son, Isma’il, for the sake of God.
For 2026, Singapore is expected to celebrate Hari Raya Haji on May 27, arriving approximately two months after Eid al-Fitr.
Differences Between Hari Raya Puasa and Haji
In general, Muslims celebrate two “Hari Raya” festivals every year. Each occasion marks its own unique spiritual pinnacle within the Islamic faith. The primary differences lie in their origins; one serves as a joyous conclusion to a month of spiritual discipline, while the other honors a profound act of devotion.
How They Are Celebrated in Singapore
Hari Raya Puasa:
The day of Hari Raya Puasa begins with special prayers and a sermon at the mosque. This is followed by a lively display of culture as Muslim families in Singapore dress in their finest ethnic costumes to visit loved ones to celebrate unity and the spirit of forgiveness.
Various Ramadan bazaars pop up around Singapore during this period, with the largest being the Geylang Serai bazaar. These lively hubs offer a variety of festive elements, including:
Delicious food and Hari Raya goodies.
Festive costumes and ethnic wear.
Cultural performances and much more.
Hari Raya Haji:
After mass prayers at the mosque in the morning, the community gathers for the ritual “Korban”. This involves the sacrificial slaughter of livestock such as sheep, goats, or cows. Once the ritual is complete, the meat is cleaned and distributed to the local community and those in need.
Beyond the sacrifice, families gather to strengthen their bonds, sharing a festive meal that typically includes:
Savory Favorites: Ketupat (rice cakes), rendang, and ayam masak merah.
Sweet Treats: Traditional cookies like Makmur, Suji, and Kueh Tart.
Understanding the meaning of these two “Hari Raya” occasions highlights the beauty of Singapore’s diverse traditions. Since the holy month of Ramadan is already upon us, it is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the city’s festive atmosphere. Explore some of the places to visit during Ramadhan in Singapore that truly capture the warmth of the month.
Read: Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2026: What to Know Before You Go
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