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Singapore festivals are unique and spectacular. The festivals are mostly centered on traditions and myths. There is a reason to celebrate on each month in Singapore.
January / February
Chinese New Year: It is a 42 day celebration during the month of either January or Februay, the ideal time to visit the nation. This is the time when you find China Town in the liveliest of forms. Different stalls lined up on the streets sell everything. Fireworks, dance and music and Chingay parade are the main attractions apart from River Hong Bao Festival.
Singapore River Hong Bao: This festival is also part of the Chinese New Year and it takes place in January. This festival is made colourful with fireworks, merchant kioska and hawker stalls.
Thaipusam: Every year Singapore celebrates the festival of Thaipusam on January 31 at Sri Thandayuthapani Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Little India. Seeking the gods’ forgiveness for the sins, male devotees carryout ‘kavadi’ and does body piercings.
Chingay Parade: This street festival is held during the month of January or February on the Orchard Road. It celebrates the festival of Chinese new year with lion dancers, samba dancers , floats and stilt walkers.
Hari Raya Puasa: Held on 19th January, the festival denotes the end of Ramadan.
March/ April / May
Singapore Fashion Festival: In the month of March and April Singapore celebrates the elaborate fashion festival. This is one fest, which people look forward to as it showcases the trends in vogue. This is the time to shop till you drop from among the series of expos and stalls.
Qing Ming Festival: Every year on April 5, the Chinese people visit temples before sunrise to offer prayers for the deceased. Feast for ancestors is the main ritual. If you are keen on offering prayers on Qing Ming Festival visit Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Temple at Sin Ming Avenue.
Vesak: Vesak is celebrating life of Buddha. It is held during April or May. On this occasion birds are released from cages to symbolize celebration of freedom of souls, chanting holy sutras. The best places to see and enjoy the celebration are Lian Shan Shuang Lin Temple at Jalan Toa Payoh and Thai Buddhist temple at Jalan Bukit Merah.
June
Dragon Boat Race: Dragon boat race takes place at the Marine Bay during the month of May or June. This festival is conducted in commemoration of a poet’s self sacrifice in protest against political corruption.
Singapore Arts Festival: Arts festival is conducted in the month of June in full fervor with a mix of drama, dance and music from all parts of the globe
Dumpling Festival: As the most celebrated Chinese festivals, Dumpling festivals will not be complete with rice desserts. Albert Mall is the best place to see the festivities that is accompanied with Chinese orchestra, lion dances and karaoke.
July
Arts In The Park: This a month-long celebration. Theatrical performances and music fills the parks of Singapore during the festival.
Singapore Food Festival: Held at various venues, this is a festival to enjoy sumptuous Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes. Flock to Singapore from July 2-4 to for a fantabulous food festival.
August/September
National Day: Singapore marks National Day on August 9. It is celebrated with great pomp and show.
Hungry Ghosts Festival: The festival falls on August or September each year. Chinese believe that it is the time when the souls of the dead roam on Earth. The season spreads the air with various fragrances so that the spirits of the dead keep away from them.
Lantern Festival: This is a festival that occurs twice a year in Chinese Garden and China Town. The beginning of the festival is marked by Chinese New Year's Full Moon. Mooncake fair and Children's Lantern Parade are the prime attraction.
October/November
Gods Festival: It takes place in October or November at the Nine Emperor Gods Temple. People believe that worshiping gods at this time will help them cure their ailments.
Deepavali: It is a Hindu festival which takes place in the solar months of October and November. During this period the streets and temples of Little India are decked with garlands and lights. This is basically a festival of lights. People gather at Sri Mariamman Temple barefooted. Fire walking is the must see event.
Singapore River Buskers' Festival: This is a street festival where street performers from all parts of the globe gather on Orchard Road. Spectators will have a ball of time enjoying performances by comedians, magicians and jugglers.
December
Christmas: This is a day of celebration worldwide. Singapore looks more beautiful in this season decked up with full lights and colour.
Singapore River Fiesta: The waterway of the city comes alive during fiesta. All the events takes place at the historic river of the nation.
Courtsey: http://www.focussingapore.com
Image source: www.hotels.com
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