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.
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