Singapore’s calendar is shaped by the festivals of its different communities, and two of the most joyful are Deepavali and Hari Raya. If you have recently arrived, you may know them first as public holidays, but they are far more than days off. Understanding what Deepavali and Hari Raya celebrate, learning the right greetings, and knowing how to behave as a guest will help you feel part of local life rather than a bystander. This guide explains both festivals warmly and accurately, so you can join in with genuine respect. Both are national public holidays, a quiet sign of how seriously Singapore takes the harmony of its Hindu, Muslim, Chinese and other communities.
What Deepavali Celebrates
Deepavali, also written Diwali, is often called the festival of lights. For Hindus it marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, and the details of the story vary across India’s many traditions. In Singapore it is celebrated mainly by members of the Indian community who are Hindu, though it is worth remembering that not every Indian Singaporean is Hindu, and Indian Singaporeans trace their roots to many regions, languages and faiths.
In the run-up to the day, homes are cleaned and refreshed, oil lamps and small lights are lit, and colourful floor patterns called kolam or rangoli are laid at entrances to welcome guests and blessings. Families wear new clothes, prepare or buy sweets and savouries, and visit the temple. The heart of the public celebration is Little India, where the streets around Serangoon Road are strung with a spectacular light-up and the shops fill with garlands, festive snacks and gifts. Visiting the light-up in the evening is something anyone can enjoy, and it is a lovely first step into the festival.
The simple greeting is “Happy Deepavali” or “Happy Diwali”. You do not need to say anything elaborate. A warm greeting to a Hindu colleague or neighbour is always welcome.
What Hari Raya Celebrates
Hari Raya Puasa, known more formally as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, marks the end of Ramadan, the month during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. In Singapore it is celebrated by the Malay community and by Muslims of other backgrounds. After a month of fasting, prayer and reflection, the day is a joyful thanksgiving and a time to seek and offer forgiveness within families and between friends.
It helps to know that there are two festivals with “Hari Raya” in the name. Hari Raya Puasa follows Ramadan, while Hari Raya Haji, or Aidiladha, comes later in the year and is connected to the pilgrimage to Mecca and to sacrifice. They are different occasions, so it is worth checking which one is approaching.
Preparations echo the warmth of a reunion. Homes are tidied and decorated, often in green and with the traditional woven ketupat shape, and families cook or buy festive dishes such as rendang, ketupat and an array of sweet treats and cookies. People wear new traditional clothing, the baju kurung and baju melayu, and after morning prayers they visit elders and relatives. Children often receive small gifts of money in green packets, known as duit raya. The public heart of the season is Geylang Serai, where the bazaar and light-up draw crowds looking for food, clothes and decorations.
The common greeting is “Selamat Hari Raya”. You may also hear “Maaf Zahir dan Batin”, a gentle request for forgiveness for any wrongs, which reflects the spirit of the day.
Greetings and Customs at a Glance
The table below sets out the essentials side by side. When in doubt, a warm, simple greeting and a willingness to learn matter more than getting every detail perfect.
| Aspect | Deepavali | Hari Raya Puasa |
|---|---|---|
| Community | Hindu Singaporeans, largely Indian | Malay and other Muslim Singaporeans |
| Marks | Light over darkness, good over evil | The end of the Ramadan fasting month |
| Greeting | “Happy Deepavali” or “Happy Diwali” | “Selamat Hari Raya” |
| Colours and symbols | Oil lamps, kolam floor art, garlands | Green tones, the woven ketupat shape |
| Festive food | Sweets, savouries, vegetarian dishes | Rendang, ketupat, festive cookies |
| Where to see it | Little India light-up, Serangoon Road | Geylang Serai bazaar and light-up |
Being a Good Guest at an Open House
Both festivals share the lovely custom of the open house, where families welcome friends, neighbours and colleagues to visit and share food. If you are invited, accept warmly. A few thoughtful habits go a long way.
- Dress neatly and modestly. You do not need traditional clothing, but tidy, respectful attire is appreciated.
- Remove your shoes at the door if you see a row of them outside, which is common in both Hindu and Muslim homes.
- Accept food and drink graciously. In a Muslim home the food will be halal, so there is no pork or alcohol, and it is best not to bring either. Many dishes at a Hindu open house are vegetarian.
- Bringing a small gift is kind but not expected. Sweets, biscuits or fruit are safe choices; avoid alcohol and anything containing pork.
- Greet elders first, and follow your host’s lead on where to sit and when to eat.
During Ramadan, before Hari Raya Puasa, be considerate of colleagues who are fasting. There is no need to hide your lunch, but a little awareness, such as not pressing someone to eat or drink during the day, is a small kindness that is noticed.
Why These Festivals Matter for Newcomers
Coming from the mainland, you will find something familiar in both celebrations. The visiting of relatives, the new clothes, the reunion meals and the gifts of money in coloured packets will remind you of Spring Festival, even though the red packet becomes a green one at Hari Raya. That shared instinct, to gather, to give and to reconcile, is a natural bridge into local life.
Taking part, even in small ways, is one of the easiest routes to integration. Wish a Hindu colleague a happy Deepavali, accept an invitation to a Hari Raya open house, or simply walk through the Little India and Geylang Serai light-ups with your family. Your community centre, run under the People’s Association, often holds festive activities open to all residents, and Singapore marks Racial Harmony Day each year to celebrate exactly this mix. Approaching each festival with curiosity and respect, and steering clear of assumptions or stereotypes, will earn you warm welcomes and help Singapore feel like home.
Explore more
Festivals are one thread in settling your family here. To understand another local mindset, read our guide to kiasu and kiasi explained for newcomers. For more on Singapore’s shared identity, see National Day and what it means for newcomers, and to explore another of the island’s rich traditions, try understanding Peranakan culture in Singapore.