A Guide to Singapore’s 2015 Cultural Festivals

Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. To make yourself more in tune to the different cultural festivals and celebrations in Singapore, we give you a full list of these cultural festivals.

Pongal

Pongal is a traditional harvest festival of the Tamil that is celebrated in honor of Surya, the Sun God. This festival is celebrated every 15^th of January. During Pongal, Indians do ethnic performances and sell souvenirs that celebrate Indian culture.

Thaipusam

This Hindu festival highlights the procession of devotees that pierce their faces and bodies with spiked kadavis. This is a tribute to the Hindu protector, Lord Subramaniam.

Chinese New Year

The most important celebration in the Chinese calendar, during the Lunar New Year, the Chinese welcome prosperity and good fortune by decorating their homes with red and gold. This celebration lasts from February 19 to the 5^th of March.

Vesak Day

Vesak Day is characterized by quiet candlelight processions and offerings of flowers at different temples and shrines. During this day, Buddhists celebrate the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha.

Dragon Boat Festival

People flock the Bedok Reservoir to witness this thrilling competition that originated in China two thousand years ago.

Hari Raya Puasa

Muslim families celebrate the last day of Ramadan by wearing traditional clothing and taking part in a large feast.

National Day

Celebrating Singapore’s 50^th independence, a fantastic firework display was shown for this special event.

Hari Raya Haji

Muslim worshippers sacrifice different livestock to honor the sacrifice of Prince Ibrahim.

Lantern Festival

Chinese families celebrate by feasting on mooncakes and tea. Kids and adults also get to play with colorful laterns.

Deepavali

During this celebration, Little India is adorned in vibrant and colorful lights symbolizing the victory of light versus darkness.