When is Hari Raya Aidilfitri?
- 31 March 2025
- Celebrations and observation last for one month
Read: Guide to Public Holidays in 2025
What is Hari Raya Aidilfitri about?
Hari Raya Aidilfitri – or Hari Raya Puasa – is celebrated by Muslims worldwide after undergoing a month of fasting in Ramadan. They start the day by going to the mosque to perform the annual Eid Prayers.
The celebrations and festivities that follow vary in different parts of the world. However, the occasion is typically marked by a day of eating sumptuous feasts and visiting family in splendid traditional attire.
Read: Guide to Ramadan 2025
What practices can be observed during Hari Raya Aidilfitri?
Eid prayers
On the morning of Hari Raya, the Muslim community goes to the mosque to perform the annual Solat Raya or Eid Prayers.
To accommodate the large number of congregants, most mosques in Singapore hold two, back-to-back prayer sessions. This is followed by the annual Eid Khutbah or Islamic preaching that congregants are encouraged to listen to.
Seeking forgiveness
In the name of maintaining harmonious relations and starting on a clean slate, Hari Raya is a time for seeking forgiveness. This is typically done between children, parents and grandparents at home in the morning, and also between relatives during visiting.
Home-visiting
Home-visiting plays a large part in Hari Raya celebrations in Singapore. In the preceding month of Ramadan, families put in a lot of effort into cleaning the household. The matriarch also starts cooking a storm as early as on Hari Raya eve in anticipation of guests’ arrival.
Donned in their finest Baju Kurung or Baju Melayu, families typically visit the home of the patriarch or matriarch first as a sign of respect.
Giving and receiving money
Receiving money in green envelopes (although designs have become dynamic and colourful over the years) is what kids look forward to the most every Hari Raya. Money is also given to anyone who is still schooling or unemployed.
Read: Cultural Festivals in Singapore
Where to witness Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Singapore?
In the early morning, you can observe a seemingly endless stream at any mosque in Singapore for the Eid Prayers.
If you’re in Geylang Serai in the evening, you can enjoy the annual light-up that adds a festive vibe to the annual affair. So don’t forget to bring your camera or simply snap away on your mobile phones.
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