Ramadan Kareem from Singapore as the city-state celebrates its annual Hari Raya Festival, a month-long cultural event celebrating the country’s rich Muslim roots.
The Hari Raya Festival is part of Singapore’s One City, Three Festivals festivities (14 August to 25 October 2009). These festivities honour the country’s cultural diversity as it celebrates different cultural events from Singapore’s three main racial groups - Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Malay), Mid-Autumn Festival (Chinese) and Deepavali (Indian).
In keeping with this year’s theme –Hari Raya @the City – activities are focused on the Kampong Glam area which is conveniently located in the heart of the city.
To help visitors from the UAE enjoy the Ramadan festivities in Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Board has worked with Singapore Airlines to offer special Ramadan packages to Singapore.
“Multi-cultural Singapore has long celebrated the holy month of Ramadan with our Muslim and non-Muslim Singaporeans. We look forward to inviting travellers from the Middle East to share in the Ramadan spirit in Singapore with our Muslim brothers and sisters. Ramadan Kareem from Singapore,” said Jason Ong, Area Director, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
Packages start from AED 1990 and include early morning breakfasts and a shuttle service to Singapore’s largest mosque - the Sultan Mosque – for evening prayers. UAE-based visitors can also participate in the Iftar at the Sultan Mosque, which offers a sampling of porridge and dates. Middle East visitors can also discover traditional exhibitions at the Malay Heritage Centre, including a collection of Batik paintings and fabrics of royalty as well as on-site batik-making demonstrations.
In addition, Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations at Geylang Serai offer guests a colourful street light-up including a batik and kampong roof theme in the precinct where the local Muslim community traditionally congregate during Hari Raya
UAE visitors are encouraged to join the crowds in the extensive street bazaars and be mesmerised by the sheer volume of items ranging from Malay delicacies and festive fare, to traditional clothing, trinkets, and decorative items for the house. Middle East guests can also join in the Iftar at the Khalid Mosque, or be serenaded by traditional Malay music, as well as enjoy traditional Javanese and Malay Dances at the Malay Village every weekend.
“This special package was designed with our Muslim customers in mind, making your Singapore holiday during Ramadan or Eid more convenient and memorable,” said Meow Seng Lim, Gulf General Manager, Singapore Airlines.
Singapore’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations at Kampong Glam runs until 27 September 2009. |