"Every 21 July, students across Singapore honour the cultures that shape us, and the shared history that binds us."

Racial Harmony Day is more than just dressing up or joining in activities, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come as a community, and how much we can continue to learn by appreciating the people around us. Every year on 21 July, students across Singapore take time to reflect on our shared history and celebrate the cultures that shape our lives.

Through conversations, games, performances, and traditional dress, this day creates a space where students can connect, express themselves, and better understand what makes each culture unique. Let’s take a closer look at how we celebrate.

Celebrating Culture Through Traditional Dress

One fun and meaningful part of Racial Harmony Day is dressing up in ethnic costumes. On this day, students get a chance to wear traditional outfits that represent different cultures. It’s a way to show appreciation for the people around us and the diverse backgrounds that make up our school community.

You’ll see students in Cheongsams, Baju Kurung or Baju Melayu, and Sarees, Kurtas or Dhotis. Some students also wear Japanese Yukatas or Peranakan Kebayas, proudly representing their heritage. These traditional outfits highlight Singapore’s cultural blend and give everyone a chance to learn more about one another.

Wearing these costumes brings people together. When students take the time to understand the meaning behind what their friends are wearing, it encourages respect and conversations that help build stronger connections.

The sight of students walking around in their colourful outfits makes the whole day feel special. With bright fabrics, unique patterns, and beautiful designs, the school becomes a vibrant display of culture and unity. It’s a moment where everyone shines in their own way, while still coming together as one community.

What We Talk About in Class

Racial Harmony Day isn’t just about what we wear. What happens in the classroom also makes the day meaningful. During class, teachers often guide thoughtful conversations about why this day matters. It’s a chance for students to reflect, ask questions, and speak openly in a respectful space.

One of the topics students explore is what happened on 21 July 1964, a day marked by racial riots in Singapore. The violence resulted in the loss of lives and left many people hurt. Learning about this part of our history helps us understand why harmony is something we must actively care for and protect.

By looking back at how far we’ve come, students can see how peace, trust, and cooperation have been built over time. These classroom discussions help remind us that every act of understanding, no matter how small, can help strengthen the community we’re part of.

Let the Fun Begin!

What’s a celebration without some fun and games? On Racial Harmony Day, students take part in a variety of activities that are not only exciting, but also meaningful. These games are a great way to learn more about different cultures while having fun with friends.

Some of the traditional games include five stones, hopscotch, Chapteh, bola tins, and drawing kolams. These were commonly played in Singapore’s earlier days, often in shared spaces like void decks or playgrounds. Each one has a unique story and gives us a glimpse into how friendships were formed in the past.

Modern twists have also been added to keep things fresh, like Instagram challenges where students record ten-second messages to show appreciation for another culture. The ethnic costume competition is another favourite, where students proudly showcase their outfits and heritage with confidence and style. These games and activities are a fun way to connect, reflect, and celebrate the stories that shape who we are. 

Harmony Is Best Shared

Living in Singapore means being part of a vibrant mix of cultures, races, and religions. Every day, we meet people who may have different traditions, speak different languages, or celebrate different holidays and that’s something to value.

Racial Harmony Day reminds us that understanding one another’s experiences brings us closer. As we learn more about the customs and beliefs of our classmates, we begin to notice how much we actually have in common. That builds respect and opens the door to real connection.

These moments of learning and acceptance help friendships grow. Over time, they shape the kind of environment we want in our schools and in our country, one where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and included. Harmony doesn’t grow on its own, it grows when we share it.

Upcoming Racial Harmony Day Events (2025)

Racial Harmony Day in 2025 will feature a variety of events designed to bring people together through shared experiences and cultural appreciation. These activities create opportunities for students to learn, participate, and celebrate the diversity that makes our community special. With performances, games, exhibitions, and more, this year’s line-up has something for everyone to enjoy.

Saturday, 26 July

Marymount Cultural and Dance Festival

• Bishan Active Park, Bishan St 23
• 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm
• Free admission

Toa Payoh Central Racial Harmony Celebrations

• Toa Payoh Central Community Centre, Level 2 Multipurpose Hall
• 3 pm to 6 pm
• SG$3 per person

Sunday, 27 July

Ang Mo Kio–Hougang–Jalan Kayu Harmony Walk

• Ci Yuan Community Centre
• 7.30 am to 9.30 am
• SG$2 per person

A Youth Intercultural Showcase: Kaleidoscope Harmony In Motion

• Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
• 5.30 pm to 10.15 pm
• SG$20 per person

"Singapore's Hungry Ghost Festival blends ancient traditions with modern life, honoring Southeast Asian roots in a vibrant, multicultural city."

Singapore, a vibrant multicultural city, is known for its rich blend of traditions and cultures. Every year, the capital comes alive with celebrations that honour its Southeast Asian roots, and one of the most intriguing events is the Hungry Ghost Festival or Zhong Yuan Jie. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the origins of the Hungry Ghost Festival, uncover the taboos that come with it, and explore the distinctive ways it is celebrated. We’ll trace the festival’s historical roots and examine the customs and practices that mark this unique cultural event, giving you a comprehensive look at why it holds such significance.

Origins of the Hungry Ghost Festival

The Hungry Ghost Festival, celebrated annually, has deep roots in Chinese Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religion. This event symbolises the plight of spirits who, once living people, are driven by intense emotional needs. The origins of the modern Ghost Festival trace back to ancient India, specifically from the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.

Central to its origin is the Yulanpen Sutra, also known as the Ullambana Sutra. Mahāyāna Buddhism represents a broad array of Buddhist practices and philosophies developed in ancient India. The sutra recounts the story of Maudgalyayana, a devoted disciple who sought to repay his deceased mother for her earthly kindness. During his visit to the afterlife, he attempted to offer her a bowl of rice. However, the food turned to ash as soon as it touched her lips, transforming into burning coal.

Desperate to help, Maudgalyayana turned to the Buddha for assistance. The Buddha explained that to aid deceased parents and ancestors, one should offer food to the monastic community during Pravarana—the end of the monsoon season, on the 15th day of the seventh month. This practice involves transferring the merits gained from these offerings to the deceased. Through this ritual, Maudgalyayana learned how to effectively offer prayers and food to his mother and the other hungry ghosts, marking the beginning of the Hungry Ghost Festival traditions observed today.

Things to Avoid During the Hungry Ghost Festival

During the Hungry Ghost Festival, there are several taboos that locals observe to steer clear of bad luck and maintain harmony. Here are some key practices to avoid:

First, it’s advised not to open an umbrella indoors. The belief is that doing so might invite spirits to take shelter underneath, leading them to linger in your home long after. Similarly, moving into a new house during this period is considered ill-fated, as it might attract unwanted spirits and disturb the peace of your new residence.

Getting married during the Hungry Ghost Festival is also discouraged. Celebrating a joyous occasion like a wedding can be seen as disrespectful to the spirits, and some believe that marriages held during this time may not last. Water-related activities, such as swimming or boating, are best avoided as well. It’s thought that water spirits become more active during the festival, posing potential dangers to those engaging in these activities.

Another precaution is to avoid hanging laundry out to dry overnight. Damp clothing might attract wandering spirits, who could try on your clothes and follow you home. Keeping noise levels down is also important—whistling or making loud noises at night is said to attract spirits, so it’s best to be quiet after dark.

Finally, killing moths or other insects is frowned upon. In Chinese belief, spirits can reincarnate as insects, especially moths. Instead of harming them, gently nudging them outside is a more respectful approach. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a peaceful and respectful Hungry Ghost Festival

Celebrate Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore

In Singapore, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a time when Chinese beliefs hold that ghosts and spirits, including deceased ancestors, come back to roam the earth. Throughout this ghost month, particularly on the 1st, 15th, and final day of the seventh lunar month, these spirits wander around searching for food, entertainment, or even to visit the living.

To honour these spirits and satisfy their needs, people make various offerings. Special metal cages set up outside housing estates and temples are used to burn items like paper money, incense, and elaborate paper effigies. These effigies represent material goods such as houses, cars, phones, and clothing, which the departed can use in the afterlife. You can find these offerings at HDB markets and shops in places like Tiong Bahru and Chinatown.

During the festival, food is often left on sidewalks or at temples to appease wandering spirits and to honour deceased family members. This gesture is believed to bring good luck and blessings to the living.

Another highlight of the festival is the ‘getai’ performances. Traditionally, getai referred to stages for Chinese opera and puppet shows, but now they feature a mix of performances. While traditional Chinese operas and songs in dialects like Hokkien are still popular, modern getai performances have embraced contemporary pop songs in Chinese and even Korean, reflecting the festival’s blend of tradition and modernity.

For more insights into festivals and traditions, check out Explore the Significance of Chinese New Year Symbols and Why Are Traditional Festivals Still Important to Us?