The kampung spirit is very much alive and thriving at Geylang Serai, as the streets are brightened up with almost 50 light installations for the Hari Raya Light Up this year. Getting lit each night from now till June 16, the 1.8km stretch from Changi Road to Geylang Road to Sims Avenue hosts vibrant photo ops for visitors.
One highlight is the 15.4m-high main arch on Sims Avenue that features a mosque with golden domes surrounded by full blooms, while another towers along Changi Road, showcasing the façade of a kampung house. Other street-side decor include batik floral prints and geometric designs.
By the time you make it to the main stage area at Wisma Geylang Serai, you can’t miss the weekly cultural programs held in the space, such as a “ketupathon” on June 2, where participants will weave ketupat shells for more than 12 hours, with proceeds from the auction going to charity. The Cultural Heritage Race will also make a comeback on May 18, where teams of three can dart around the Geylang Serai Heritage Trail and its neighboring nooks to learn more about the festival and the Malay community in Singapore.
Oh, and let’s not forget the annual Geylang Serai Ramadan bazaar, which goes on for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan till Hari Raya Puasa on June 5. Spanning from Engku Aman Road to Geylang Road to Tanjong Katong Complex, the popular event features over 500 stalls hawking everything from traditional Malay fare and household stuff to trendy lifestyle items and millennial-favorite snacks.
For a modern twist, there are also themed container-style shops and outdoor dining spots under the glow of twinkling fairy lights. But mostly, the bustling market remains all about heritage and tradition, with a tinge of nostalgia for the good old days.
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