Religious festivals
abound and often provide a riot of color. Many of these offer
visitors much to see, such as the processions during Thaipusam and
the Birthday of the Monkey God. Singapore celebrates the Chinese New
Year in grandeur, with a lively Chingay procession that produces the
nation's largest street parade. Singapore's full calendar of events
showcases a spectrum of cultural celebrations and shopping
activities. The early summer months bustle in anticipation of the
Singapore Sale - a time when tourists can cash in on the competitive
prices of electronic equipment, jewellery and other merchandise. The
business activity thrives amidst the celebration of Chinese, Hindu
and Muslim festivals that punctuate the year with their colourful
representations. These include the Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Hari
Raya Puasa, Vesak Day, the Dragon Boat Festival, Festival of the
Hungry Ghosts and Thaipusam.
Holiday in Singapore
New Year's Day
Chinese New Year
Good Friday
Labour Day
Vesak Day
National Day
Hari Raya Puasa
Deepavali
Hari Raya Haji
Christmas Day
Vesak
Day Festival
The festival celebrated with great ceremonial ritual by Buddhists is
Vesak Day, which commemorates the birth and enlightenment of Buddha
and his entry into Nirvana.
The day starts with chanting of the sutras by saffronclad monks,
while devotees visit the temples to pray and meditate and to make
offerings. Acts of generosity known as dana are observed by Buddhist
organizations and temples. These include the freeing of caged birds
and animals, visiting and giving alms to the poor and needy, while
some Buddhist youths organize mass blood donation at hospitals. The
celebration concludes with a candlelit procession through the
streets. Observers as well as devotees are welcome to join in the
celebration at Buddhist temples.