Did you know that because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10 to 12 days earlier each year?

This allows it to fall every season in a 33-year cycle. This year, Ramadan will fall between April 3 and May 1 in Singapore. Considering that Ramadan dates typically depend on the cycles of the moon, it may vary in different countries. 

Muslims will typically begin their fasting day with a meal right before dawn. This is called sahur. The timing of this meal varies daily and goes according to when the sun is set to rise.

This month, sahur will take place between 5.45 am and 5.55 am. Muslims are encouraged to check the timings regularly as they can change day to day. 

During this meal, Muslims will eat and drink according to their preferences. After which, they will cease all food and drinks till sunset.

Again, the timings of iftar—which is when Muslims break their fast—will differ daily. This year, the timings will range between 7.08 pm and 7.13 pm. Muslims usually make iftar a family meal and they break their fast together by consuming dates before the meal, followed by prayers. 

If you are looking for a place to break your fast, you can check out our list here.

In Singapore, Ramadan is usually celebrated widely with special Ramadan meals in restaurants, light-ups and Ramadan bazaars. It is typically a bright and exciting season for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. 

This year, Ramadan is set to be even more exciting with loosened Covid-19 restrictions, borders reopened and the famous bazaars making a return after two years of being cancelled or taken online. 

There are three bazaars planned, with two happening at Geylang Serai and Kampong Gelam. While they will be smaller in scale as compared to previous years, they will still feature many vendors that will be touting Instagrammable food, clothes and more. 

That said, official details are still being finalised. We do, however, know that a Geylang Serai Hari Raya Shopping Experience 2022 will be running from April 2 to May 2 this year and that it will be located near the Wisma Geylang Serai building.

There will be two zones with 20 stalls in each zone, according to a tender document that the People’s Association (PA) released. The bazaar will also be open from 1 pm to 11 pm daily. 

Ahead of the bazaar, the streets of Geylang Serai have also been lit up with festive lights. The theme this year is Gotong Royong—Unity and Resilience and the lights cover Changi Road, Geylang Road and Sims Avenue till May 8. 

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Hari Raya Puasa. The celebration is about acknowledging the month that has gone by, gaining forgiveness and enjoying food with family and community members. 

The day typically begins with prayers and then moves on to family visits. This is where younger family members will seek forgiveness from their elders. Green packets are also typically exchanged. 

Some families may also choose to wear outfits of the same colour or colour schemes to symbolise family unity.  

NOW READ

Hari Raya Puasa 2021: 5 of the Grandest Mosques in Singapore

The Best Nasi Lemak in Singapore, According to Local Chefs

Singapore-Malaysia Border Reopening: Quarantine-Free Land Travel to Begin For Vaccinated Travellers From April 1