Hari Raya Light Up 2017. Photo source: Hari Raya Light Up 2017 Organising Committee
Geylang Serai is the centre of Hari Raya celebration in Singapore. This year's celebration is marked with the light up of a 2.25km long stretch along Sims Avenue and Changi Road.
Things to see during Hari Raya Light Up 2017:
1. Larger-than-life Light DisplaysThis year the leaf motif that usually found on songket, a traditional Malay fabric, plays a prominent part in the display. It took 4 months to design and decorate more than 900,000 LED bulbs. Look out for two 13-meter high main arches and fifty five sub-arches that decorate both Sims Avenue and Changi Road.
There will be a 4.4 meter tall Kelantan kite as well as a 12-metre-wide kelong and sampan, which forms the main stage area for free weekend performances and movie screenings.
A 4.4 meter tall wau. Photo source: Hari Raya Light Up 2017 Organising Committee
The largest and popular bazaar has more than 1,000 participating stalls. The market stretches from Geylang Serai Market, Joo Chiat Complex, to Haig Road Market.
Dragon's Breath from MrQSnacks at Onan Road Stall 63 and Engku Aman Road Stall 25
Many sellers peddle decorative items and traditional Hari Raya goodies like kuih bangkit, dates, baju kurung, and green package covers.
Having something light and sweet could quench the thirst and hunger pangs in this summer. Tea and syrup drinks would be the best as thirst quenchers. TulouSG offers pink guava, hibiscus honey, and rose lychee ice tea at only $4 per bottle.
Flo by TulouSG at Onan Road Stall 61
Softnade Softserve Ice Cream Chendol at Stall 9 facing Alwadi Coffeeshop
Young entrepreneurs often come with new items to cater to the crowds. Expect new items such as Dragon's Breath, Softserve Chendol, Handsome Burg, and many more.
Handsome Burg from Word Bistro Haig Road Stall 50 and Engku Aman Road Stall 8 & 30
Delicious double fried russet potatoes are available in several flavors: Sambal Cheese, Sour Ranch, Special Cheese, Mediterranean Curry, Salted Egg Yolk, and BBQ.
Sambal Cheese Double Fried Russet Potato from The Katoshka at Onan Road Stall 74
Popular Thai Milk Tea, which attracted long queue in the recent Artbox Bazaar, is also participating in this bazaar. Watch out for its tea barista in the process of making this yummy drink.
Thai Cha Chak
Free cultural performances such as kompang (traditional drum) and Malay traditional dances are held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Kembangan-Chai Chee Community Hub or at the open space adjacent to Engku Aman and Sims Avenue from now until 7 July.
Main Stage. Photo source: Hari Raya Light Up 2017
The community centre houses a permanent exhibition, as well as a temporary exhibition housed in a structure that mimics ketupat, a Malay rice dumpling. It is meant to educate the public about Malay traditions during Ramadan, the history of the Hari Raya Bazaars and gotong royong - Malay community's spirit of co-operation back in the old days in villages. Gongs, traditional weapon and traditional Malay games are also on display.
Temporary Malay Museum Light Up. Photo source: Hari Raya Light Up 2017 Organising Committee
The organizer also screens Malay language movies throughout the period. Last screening is scheduled on 23 June 2017.
Enjoy the light up by hopping on the Hippo Bus from the open field outside the community center from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. It is free for all on first come-first served basis.
Free Classic Malay Movie. Photo source: Hari Raya Light Up 2017
