Some common festivals celebrated in Singapore

The residents of Singapore celebrate a number of festivals and events. Hindu, Chinese, and Muslim celebrations follow a lunar calendar. Because of this reason their dates of festivities vary from year to year. Chinese New Year is celebrated in the month of January or February. Dragon dances, cheerful ambiance and parades are the regular features at this time. Chinatown is lit up and there are fireworks and night markets. The whole Singapore cheers at the festival with lots of color and light.

Vesak Day in the month of April or May celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. Various events are organized including the release of caged birds. This is done because it symbolizes the setting free of captive souls.

The Dragon Boat Festival is usually held in the month of May or June. This festival commemorates the death of a Chinese saint who drowned himself as a protest against government corruption. During this festival boat races are organized across Marina Bay.
Ramadan is the festival for Islamics. In this festival food stalls are set up in the evening in the Arab Street district. This is located near the Sultan Mosque. Hari Raya Puasa is the end of Ramadan in the month of January or February. This is marked by three days of joyful celebrations.

Hungry Ghosts festival is celebrated in September. It is believed that the souls of the dead are released for feasting and entertainment on earth. Generally Chinese operas are performed for them where food is also offered.

The festival of Thaipusam is one of the most dramatic Hindu festivals. But presently it is banned in India. Hindu devotees honour Lord Subramaniam. They do some body-piercing masochism. In Singapore, devotees march in procession. The usual route starts from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road to the Chettiar Hindu Temple on Tank Road. The festival is based on the lunar calendar.

Multi cultural Religion in Singapore

Singapore is known as multi-religious country. The reason of this can be stated as people from various parts of the world are living here and there are mixed culture available in the country. In Singapore, the government also promotes religious tolerance. The largest religion in Singapore is Buddhism. It is recorded that 42.5 percent resident population are Buddhist. Most of the Malays are disciples of Islam while Indian Muslim communities are also there.

After the 200 census it has been seen that the Buddhism is the major religion in Singapore. The calculations are as follows Buddhism consists of 42.5 percent, Christianity is 14.6 percent, Hinduism is 4 percent, Taoism is 8.5 percent, Islam is 14.9 percent, and no Religious Affiliation is 14.9 percent. Other religions consist 1.6 percent of the total population. All the calculation is only for resident population. The authorities of Singapore never release any non-residential figure. The Singaporeans usually celebrate the festivals according to their religion. The diversity of religions is a direct manifestation of the variety of races living in Singapore. The Chinese are followers of Buddhism and Taoism with some extraordinary agnostics. Most of the Malays are Muslims while majority of Indians are Hindus. Significant numbers of Muslims and Sikhs are present in Singapore and these are basically from the Indian ethnic groups.

Religion can be called as an integral part of cosmopolitan Singapore. Many of its most attractive buildings are religious. You can take the examples of modern churches, old temples, or exotic mosques. These buildings are worth seeing while visiting the place. You will be able to understanding the architecture of these buildings if you really know art and can appreciation it as well.

Confucianist, Taoist, and Buddhist figures jointly with ancestral veneration are combined into a versatile unite in Chinese tradition temples. As a matter of fact it can be said that from ancient time these three religions had exercised their influences over Chinese cultures and traditions.

Important Chinese temples in Singapore

There are many important temples situated in Singapore. About two of them I’ve already mentioned. The Singaporean Chinese temples are really attractive. I am not saying that they are happening rather you can feel to meditate where present in those temples. People always go there to find an answer for their life.

Kuan Yin Temple: This temple is situated on Waterloo Street which is dedicated to Kuan Yin. Kuan Yin is the Chinese Goddess of Mercy who is filled with worshippers the whole day. A lively group of merchants will greet you on your way in. They will offer to sell you flowers as temple offerings. You can also know what is written in your palm.

Khong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple: This temple covers the area of 12 hectares. Khong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple is situated at 88, Bright Hill Drive. Because of its location this temple is also known as the Bright Hill Temple. It is actually the largest temple in Singapore. The temple is having a modern construction which is very impressive features. You can see many fine Chinese statues, decorations and shrines there. There is also a large turtle pool and a serene garden which will take you to the different world. Besides being a place of worship, the temple grounds also house a crematorium.

Siong Lim Temple: This large temple is situated at 184E, Jalan Toa Payoh. This was built in the year 1908 and I presently it has classified as a national monument. The temple marks Buddha’s birth and death and also has a highly decorated gateway. This temple is accessible only by bridge which opens to a courtyard.

Inside the temple, you will find huge incense burners and a beautifully carved Buddha. These are imported from Thailand. The temple grounds hold a monastery, a rock garden, and a smaller temple.

Chinese temples in Singapore

In Singapore, you are free to follow your religion irrespective of what you are. Mainly three religions are prevalent in Singapore and these are Islamic, Christian, and Jewish. The main Asian religions such as Buddhism and Taoism are also there. They also have their places of worship in Singapore. Some of the Chinese temple’s name and location is mentioned so that you can visit them while in Singapore.

Temple of 1,000 Lights: The Temple of 1,000 Lights is the common name for the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple. This is located at 336, Race Course Road which is situated near Searngoon Road.

The temple is surrounded by hundreds of lights and this is the main reason behind its naming. Worth seeing is 15-metre tall sitting Buddha in the centre of the temple. The architecture of the temple and its bright colours was inspired by a Thai monk called Vutthisasara. A smaller Buddha is positioned in a reclining posture. This was the last pose of the enlightened one as he prepared to enter nirvana. Some of the other artifacts include a figure of the Hindu elephant god i.e. Ganesh, a wax model of Mahatma Ghandhi, and a huge Buddha footprint inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Thian Hock Keng temple: Thian Hock Keng is also known as the Temple of Heavenly Happiness. This is the oldest and also the most interesting Chinese temple in Singapore. This Thian Hock Keng was built circa 1820. This is a Taoist-Buddhist temple. Dedicated to to Ma Zu Po i.e. the Mother of Heavenly Sages and the protector of sailors, this temple is truly a heritage artifact.

You can visit this colourful temple at Telok Ayer Street which his situated in the middle of Chinatown. Previously, the temple was at the waterfront before Singapore embarked on its land reclamation. This was place where many sailors and early settlers came to offer thanks for a safe journey by sea. Elaborately painted doors as well as gold-leafed panels and highly-decorated beams are the attractive features of this temple.

Different Religion in Singapore

Singapore is the abode of different religions. We can explain it in a nice and clear way. The Malays are the original cultural group of Singapore. It can be said that they are not mere immigrants in Singapore. Many Malays have ancestors who came from other parts of the Malay Archipelago. So, it is evident that Singapore does have a native ethnic Malay community. There is one more thing that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan is not in January-February. At least it can be said that it does not fall in the same months every year. The starts and ends of Ramadan vary from year to year. The calculation is that it always comes 11 days earlier than the previous year. In Singapore the official Muslim holidays are Eid Al-Fitri. It is usually celebrated after Ramadan, and Eid Al-Adha.

Other important Muslim religious events include the Maulud. But this is not regarded as an official holiday in Singapore. This occasion is celebrated as the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. In Singapore all the Muslims are not Malays, ample quantity of them are Indians. The Arab community and some Eurasians are also Muslims found in Singapore. About inheritance it is seen that in Singapore only sons inheriting is not practice by the Muslim community. Actually this follows the faraid or Islamic inheritance laws where daughters also have inheritance rights. In Singapore sons and daughters get equal right and also love from their parents.

In particular intermarriage is common among Muslims. Malay-Indian intermarriages are very common in Singapore. Singaporeans are more or less cool about the racial differences. They basically want a comfortable life where all human beings can live is peace and harmony.

Other places of worship in Singapore

There are some other places of worship which are magnificently built. Often people visit these places and offer prayers. People come and spend some quality time in these monuments with peace and tranquility. Often you will get metal support from an eternal power while visiting these artifacts.

Maghain Aboth Synagogue: This synagogue is located at the Waterloo Street in Singapore. This was built by Singapore’s small but significant Jewish community. Its architecture veers towards the Victorian.

Central Sikh Temple: This temple is situated at Towner Road. This is the place where Singapore’s 15,000 Sikhs of Singapore come to worship. It was built to commemorate the 518th birthday of Guru Nanak. Guru Nanak was the first Sikh guru. The temple also houses the Granth Sahih which is a holy book. Central Sikh Temple is a striking building of white marble. This Central Sikh Temple won the Singapore Institute of Architects’ Design Award in the year 1986.

Singapore and its Churches

Singapore is the abode of some beautiful churches. The Christian people meet their everyday and offer their prayer. Various marriages and many other occasions take place at those churches.

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd: This Cathedral of the Good Shepherd church is situated at Queen Street in Singapore. This is the oldest Catholic Church in Singapore. Its manufacturing year can be stated as 1843. Its construction actually triggered all-out competition between two great colonial architects of the time. They were J T Thomson and D L Sweeney. Ultimately Thomson’s design was chosen. One year later a third architect named Charles Dyce added a tower and a spire. The church is now a designated as national monument. Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is worth seeing.

Church of St Gregory the Illuminator: This Armenian Church is situated at Hill Street. Built in the year 1835, this can be known as Singapore’s oldest church. As its name states, this church is dedicated to St Gregory, who was the first monk of the Armenian Church. Presently this church is regarded as a national monument. George Coleman who was a colonial architect designed this church. This church is considered as a masterpiece of the artist.

St Andrew's Cathedral: This elegant Anglican cathedral is situated at St Andrew’s Street. This was built after its predecessor. G D Coleman built this church in the year 1938. In the year 1852 St Andrew's Cathedral was destroyed by lightning strikes. The present cathedral what we see was designed by Ronald MacPherson in the year 1856. If you visit this church you will see that there is visitors centre at the church. There you can see photos, artifacts, pictures, and a video of the church’s history. Guided tours are also available and you have see as well as understand the things of your own.

Mosques in Singapore

There is some magnificent Muslim architecture in Singapore. All of them are worth seeing. You may not be Islamic, but you can always visit a mosque and enjoy its beauty.

Hajah Fatimah Mosque: Hajah Fatimah Mosque is located at 4001 Beach Road which was built in 1846. It is named after its benefactor. She was a woman from the Malaysian state of Malacca. She was married a rich Bugis Sultan. The mosque displays a distinctly British architecture. A sign of Royalty is present everywhere.

Sultan Mosque: Sultan Mosque is the biggest mosque in Singapore. This is situated at North Bridge Road, which is near the ethnic quarter of Arab Street. It was originally built in 1825 with a SGD 3000 grants from Stamford Raffles. Stamford Raffles was the modern founder of Singapore and the East India Company.

The original structure was different but in the year 1928, the original structure was replaced by the current mosque. This was designed by Denis Santry. The Sultan Mosque has a large prayer hall and a massive golden dome.


Abdul Gaffoor Mosque: This Abdul Gaffoor Mosque is situated at 41 Dunlop Street. This attractive little mosque was built in 1910 which houses a display of the family tree of the Muslim prophets. Many people gather there and offer their prayer to God.

Indian Temples in Singapore

If you are an Indian and a religious person, don’t loose heart in Singapore. You will get your place of worship here. Some of the names are listed below:

Sri Thandayuthapani Temple: This temple is also known as the Chettiar Hindu Temple which is situated at 15, Tank Road. Sri Thandayuthapani Temple was built on the site of a former temple dating back to the 1850s. It has a number of shrines with glass-panelled roofs that are angled to catch the rays of the sun when it rises and sets. Constructed in the South Indian style, this temple is an awesome piece of creature. You should not miss it while visiting Singapore.

Sri Thandayuthapani Temple is the place where the culminations of the Thaipusam and Navarathiri Festivals are held every year. In the annual Thaipusam procession in February, the Hindu devotees are seen with kavadi. This is a portable shrines pierced to the body. This usually conveys the sign of faith and penance. The procession begins at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India and ends at the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple. Hoards of people present there to enjoy the show.

Sri Mariamman Temple: Sri Mariamman Temple is situated at 244 at South Bridge Road. This is actually the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Sri Mariamman Temple is situated right in the middle of Chinatown. The temple is the abode of many intricate statues on its outer walls and inner altars is a real beauty with lots of color. This was built in the year of 1827. Lots of Hindu weddings take place in this temple. This is the place where the annual Thimithi fire-walking festival is held in the month of October. The temple is recently underwent some renovations. Designated as national monument this is an excellent piece of art.

The Navarathiri Festival is held every year in the month of October. This is the Hindu ‘nine lights’ celebration of the goddesses Dhurga, Saraswathi, and Lakshmi. The Sri Thandayuthapani Temple is the focal point of the nine-day celebrations. This also include music, dancing, and dramatic procession on the final night. As a whole we can say this is a joyous worship and all Hindus enjoy it a lot.