Hari Raya Puasa 2026 – how is it celebrated?

Hari Raya Puasa 2026 (not to be confused with Hari Raya Haji) is coming soon! If you don’t know a great deal about this annual occasion, here’s some useful information about it, from traditions and facts about Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore to some vibrant bazaars you can check out this year.

What is Hari Raya Puasa?

Hari Raya Puasa, also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Eid al-Fitr (but more commonly known as just Hari Raya or Raya amongst Singaporeans!), is celebrated by people of the Muslim faith. A common misconception about Hari Raya Puasa is that it’s the Muslim New Year. In fact, it marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan – the month of dawn-to-sunset fasting. It’s the time of forgiveness as families gather together to remember loved ones who have passed, and offer their apologies for any wrongdoings committed over the past year, with the younger ones in the family asking for forgiveness from their elders.

When is Hari Raya Puasa 2026 in Singapore?

Hari Raya traditionally falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. It varies each year because it’s dependent on the lunar calendar. In 2026, Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore falls on 21 March.

What happens on Hari Raya Puasa in Singapore?

Muslims typically start their day by visiting the mosque to say special prayers. After that, they seek forgiveness from elders – for example, kids might ask for forgiveness from their parents. Before they head out to visit relatives and friends and start feasting on good food, Malay families don new clothes in the same or similar colour theme to represent family spirit, with women dressed in baju kurung – a loose-fitting full-length dress consisting of a skirt and blouse – and men in baju melayu – a loose-fitting shirt with long sleeves, worn with long pants with a sampin, a three-quarter length cloth made of woven materials with traditional patterns. Families also visit the graves of loved ones who have passed to pay their respects.

What are some traditions of the day?

• Decorations such as “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri” signs, mosque cut-outs, oil lamps, lanterns, colourful string lights, ketupat dumplings, and crescent moon and star garlands are common in Muslim homes and mosques during this time of year.
• Sampul duit raya, or green packets containing money, are handed out to children and older members of the community.
• There’s plenty of delicious food and snacks to dig into on the day. These include lontong sayur lodeh (mix vegetable in coconut broth), beef rendang (spicy beef stew), kuih bangkit (tapioca cookies) and also kuih tarts (pineapple tarts).
• Muslims greet each other on this day with sayings like “Eid Mubarak”, which means “Have a blessed holiday”. Another one is: “Selamat Hari Raya, maaf zahir dan batin”, which means “Happy Hari Raya; I seek forgiveness for any physical and emotional wrongdoings”.

Bazaars to explore!

#1 Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar

A signature bazaar to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa, this is known for its food stores full of delectable halal treats. It goes from 14 February to 21 March. You can visit over 500 stores selling food, drinks, apparel, songkoks, festive goodies and other merchandise. Not forgetting the live performances and vibrant lights around Geylang Serai! The bazaar will open daily from noon to late, with hours extending until 4am on the last night. IG @bazaarrayageylang

#2 Kampong Glam Bazaar

Part of a one-month-long celebration, the popular Gemilang Kampong Gelam bazaar is back this year from 11 February until 15 March, from 2pm to 11pm daily. This year’s bazaar boasts over 100 food, beverage and retail booths. Festivities in past editions include traditional Malay dance, dikir barat, silat and kompang performances. On the weekends, catch the light show projected onto the Sultan Mosque between 7.40pm and 9pm on Fridays to Sundays. IG @visitkamponggelam

#3 Sembawang West Ramadan Bazaar

On the open field beside Sembawang MRT station, Sembawang West Bazaar Ramadan, also known as Bazaar Raya Utara, will open from 12 February to 19 March, from noon to 10pm daily. This is your convenient neighbourhood night market if you happen to live near this part of the North South Line. Besides diverse Hari Raya Puasa food options, there are also plenty of performances and community activities for the entire family! IG @bazaarlambak

#4 Raya Sejiran by LalooLalang

Co-organised by Singapore’s LalooLalang and Malaysia’s Pasar Seloka, this bazaar takes place from 1pm to 9pm, 7 and 8 March, at Far East Floral Centre in Kampong Glam. This cosy fair will feature fashion and retail booths alongside F&B stalls from Singapore and Malaysia. IG @laloolalang

#5 Celebfest Ramadan

Head to Suntec Halls 403 to 406 from 27 February to 1 March for Celebfest. From noon to 10pm daily, you can shop fashion and taste street food from over 200 exhibitors. There are also live performances and appearances by celebrities. Full event details will be released on their social media accounts in the coming days. FB @celebfest | IG @celebfestsg

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