Hari Raya 2025 in Singapore with Kids

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Families and communities get together for the joyous celebration of Hari Raya, particularly in vivacious Singapore. The Hari Raya celebration is scheduled for March 31, 2025, and there will be plenty to look forward to! As mothers, we treasure this time of year for more reasons than simply the delectabe food and exquisite décor—we get to make priceless memories with our children.

Beyond the celebrations, Hari Raya has a deeper meaning. It’s about sharing love, being thankful, and being a community. With the aid of our BusyKidd‘s guide, you and your children can make the most of Hari Raya 2025 and have an enjoyable and fulfilling time for everybody.

We’ll discuss the significance of the Hari Raya occasion, offer advice on how to celebrate with kids, and highlight some fascinating activities taking place in Singapore. There is something here for everyone, regardless of your level of experience with Hari Raya celebrations. Together, let’s celebrate this joyous occasion, making sure our kids understand its beauty and importance!

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Teachers’ Day Gift Guide, Racial Harmony Day, Deepavali In Singapore: BusyKidd’s Ultimate Guide.

Understanding Hari Raya

For a lot of individuals, Hari Raya is quite significant. It is the last day of Ramadan, a time for Muslims to fast and contemplate. We develop self-control and gratitude for our blessings throughout Ramadan. Hari Raya is a new beginning that arrives. It’s an opportunity to forgive and unite.

It is our responsibility as parents to instill these ideals in our children. Let’s elucidate the meaning of Hari Raya Puasa. Today is the last day of Ramadan. Also, we want to inform them of Hari Raya Haji, a celebration that commemorates Ibrahim’s readiness to offer his son as a sacrifice. It makes kids more appreciative of their culture to learn about these occasions.

Usually, celebrations start with prayers in the mosque, when families get together to express their happiness and ask for blessings. It’s time to meet with loved ones and partake in delectable meals after the prayers. There is a lot of love, laughing, and a feeling of belonging there.

The Importance of Traditions

Hari Raya traditions

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Introducing our children to the customs of Hari Raya can foster deep cultural ties. These are some customs that you may want to teach your kids.

  • Going to the Mosque: Bring your children to witness the communal atmosphere and prayers.
  • Creating Customary Foods: Involve kids in preparing kuih for Hari Raya and other festive feasts.
  • Giving and Getting Presents: Talk to your children about the value of kindness and giving, and you may even allow them to make tiny presents for friends or relatives.
  • Decorative Interior Design: Get your kids involved in the traditional ornamentation and lighting of your home.

Our children can learn the value of gratitude and family time through these activities. It’s a fantastic method to help them develop their appreciation of the principles of Hari Raya.

Planning for Hari Raya 2025 with Kids

Hari Raya celebrations crafting with kids

Planning for Hari Raya 2025 with your kids can be an exciting adventure! Here are some ways to get everyone involved in the preparations:

Fun Preparation Ideas

  • Decorate Together: Gather vibrant decorations and enlist your children’s assistance in transforming your house into a joyful atmosphere. This might entail making handcrafted items or hanging lanterns in the traditional manner.
  • Baking Day: Bake traditional Hari Raya kuih in the kitchen for the entire day. Allow your children to choose the recipes and help with the baking. Children like lending a hand, and this is a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to our food customs.
  • Making Plans for the Dress-Up: Permit the kids to select their Hari Raya attire. When you take them shopping, let them show off their sense of style. This increases anticipation for the festival.
  • Make a Family Calendar: Get your children involved in making a Hari Raya countdown calendar. Every day may have a quick chore, like baking or decorating, in preparation for the big day.

Creating a Checklist

To keep things organized, consider creating a Hari Raya checklist. This could include:

  • Shopping for clothes
  • Preparing traditional dishes
  • Buying decorations
  • Planning family visits

Assign tasks to your children based on their age and abilities. Younger kids can help with decorations, while older ones can assist with cooking or shopping.

By making this preparation a family affair, you’re not only teaching your kids about the holiday but also creating anticipation for the celebration. It’s a wonderful way to foster teamwork and responsibility!

Celebrating Hari Raya in Singapore

Singaporean Hari Raya celebrations are characterized by brilliant colors, mouthwatering cuisine, and a strong sense of camaraderie. There are many customs to follow and locations to discover as the big day draws near.

The Morning of Hari Raya

Sultan Mosque Singapore

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The day begins early on Hari Raya 2025 with prayers in the mosque. One of the most lovely ways to impart to children the value of faith and community is by attending the prayers. Families are gathered to celebrate, and there is a buzz of excitement in the air.

Hari Raya celebration festive food

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It’s time for a joyful meal after prayers! Families frequently put out a delectable array of customary foods. Favorite dishes like rendang, ketupat, and lemang provide a lovely way to begin the day. Allow your children to assist with setting the table or serving visitors to get them interested.

Local Celebrations and Events

In Singapore, various events celebrate Hari Raya throughout the month. The Geylang Serai Hari Raya Bazaar is one of the most popular attractions. Here’s what to expect:

  • Food Stalls: Enjoy a variety of local delicacies, including sweet treats, savory snacks, and traditional dishes.
  • Cultural Performances: Watch dance performances and cultural showcases that highlight our rich heritage.
  • Shopping: Explore stalls selling traditional crafts, clothing, and home décor.

Taking your kids to the bazaar can be a fun adventure! They will love sampling different foods and experiencing the lively atmosphere. It’s a fantastic opportunity to teach them about our culture and the joy of community celebrations.

Dressing Up for Hari Raya

Hari Raya celebrations family outfit

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Dressing up for Hari Raya is one of the highlights for kids! Wearing vibrant, traditional Hari Raya clothes adds to the excitement of the celebration. Outfits like baju kurung for girls and baju Melayu for boys are common choices.

Choosing the Perfect Outfit

Here are some tips to consider when choosing outfits for your children:

  1. Comfort is Key: Ensure that the outfits are comfortable and suitable for the warm weather. Kids will be moving around and playing, so they should feel at ease.
  2. Let Them Choose: Involve your kids in picking out their outfits. This allows them to express their style and feel proud of what they’re wearing.
  3. Family Coordination: Consider coordinating family outfits for a cute family photo! Matching colors or styles can create a wonderful visual representation of unity.
  4. Accessories Matter: Let the kids choose fun accessories to complement their outfits. Bangles, headbands, or traditional caps can add a special touch.

Shopping for Hari Raya clothes can be a fun outing. Visit local markets or malls together and let the excitement build as they try on different outfits.

Mini Fashion Show

Once you have the outfits, host a mini fashion show at home! Allow the kids to showcase their new clothes. Take photos and celebrate their style. It’s a fun way to create memories and boost their confidence!

Visiting Family and Community Events

Hari Raya celebrations community events

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Hari Raya is a time for family gatherings, and visiting relatives is an essential part of the celebration. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen family bonds and share in the joy of the occasion.

Planning Family Visits

Before Hari Raya, make a list of family members you want to visit. Planning your route can help you maximize your time together. Consider making it a fun adventure by using public transportation or exploring different neighborhoods.

When visiting relatives, encourage your kids to greet everyone warmly. This teaches them about respect and family values. Sharing gifts, such as duit raya (monetary gifts), can also be a delightful experience for the kids.

Engaging with the Community

In addition to family visits, attending community events can enhance the Hari Raya experience. Many neighborhoods organize activities that are perfect for families. Consider attending:

  • Cultural Exhibitions: Through interactive displays, discover more about our customs and the significance of Hari Raya.
  • Local Fairs: Attend fairs that feature artisans, cuisine, and entertainment.
  • Events for Community Service: During this unique time, take part in programs that help people in need.

Getting youngsters involved in community events is a great approach to teaching them about compassion and giving. It teaches children that giving back to the community is just as important as receiving during Hari Raya.

Tips for Memorable Hari Raya 2025

To ensure that Hari Raya 2025 is unforgettable for your kids, consider starting some family traditions. These can range from cooking special dishes together to hosting game nights. Establishing unique customs will create lasting memories for everyone.

Create Your Own Family Traditions

Hari Raya celebration traditions cooking festive food

  1. Cooking Together: Choose a traditional dish to cook as a family each year. Let everyone have a role in the preparation. Kids will love the hands-on experience, and it reinforces the idea of togetherness.
  2. Game Night: Set aside an evening for a fun game night with traditional games. This encourages bonding and laughter.
  3. Memory Jar: Create a Hari Raya memory jar where each family member writes down their favorite moments from the celebration. At the end of the day, read them aloud and reminisce together.

These traditions can become something everyone looks forward to each year, reinforcing the values of Hari Raya while building stronger family ties.

Capture the Moments

Don’t forget to capture the moments! Take photos throughout the day, from the early morning prayers to family gatherings and festive meals. Consider creating a photo book after the celebration to relive those memories. This can become a cherished keepsake for years to come, allowing your kids to look back on their Hari Raya experiences.

Fun Activities for Kids During Hari Raya

Keeping the kids engaged during Hari Raya can be a delightful challenge! Here are some fun activities that you can organize to ensure they have a memorable time:

DIY Craft Station

Set up a DIY craft station at home or during family gatherings. Here are some craft ideas:

  • Decorative Lanterns: Let kids create their own lampu pelita (traditional oil lamps) using colored paper and other craft supplies.
  • Greeting Cards: Encourage children to make handmade Hari Raya cards for family members. This adds a personal touch to their greetings.
  • Biskut Raya: Host a cookie decorating session where kids can decorate pre-baked cookies with icing and sprinkles. They can then package them as gifts or treats for guests.

Storytelling Sessions

Set aside time for storytelling, where family members can share Hari Raya memories and stories from their childhood. This not only entertains the kids but also fosters a sense of connection to family history. You can even encourage your children to share their own stories and experiences.

Pros and Cons of Celebrating Hari Raya with Kids

As much as we adore Hari Raya, celebrating it with children comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. Here’s a balanced view to consider:

Pros

  1. Incorporating children into the celebrations fosters a sense of cultural awareness and gratitude for their ancestry.
  2. Family bonding: The festivities bring family members closer together and provide chances for lifelong memories and shared experiences.
  3. Fun and Engagement: The celebration is fun for all ages because of the lively environment and a variety of activities that keep kids enthused and involved.
  4. Life Lessons: Instilling these ideals in young minds, Hari Raya offers important lessons about appreciation, charity, and community spirit.

Cons

  1. Overwhelm: Younger children may find it difficult to control their emotions due to overstimulation brought on by the thrill of the celebrations.
  2. Logistics: Especially when balancing other family obligations, planning visits and festivities may be stressful for parents.
  3. Cultural differences: To ensure that youngsters understand and appreciate the significance of Hari Raya, families with mixed-race children may need to make extra effort while discussing the holiday.
  4. Intolerances to Food: With so much food available, it’s critical to consider any nutritional needs your kids may have.

In summary, while celebrating Hari Raya with kids can be a joyous and enriching experience, being aware of these pros and cons can help you plan effectively.

FAQ

When to take leave in 2025?

It makes sense to schedule your leave in 2025 around public holidays. You may enjoy extended weekends in this way. Consider taking time off on the days before or following a holiday, for instance, if it comes on a Friday or Monday. You may take a longer break without using up too many leave days because of this. Pay attention to the school vacations as well, particularly if you have children. It can be the ideal time for a staycation or family vacation.

How many public holidays are there in Singapore in 2025?

In 2025, there will be eleven PHs in Singapore. Major festivals such as National Day and Hari Raya fall under this category. Every holiday provides an opportunity to unwind and spend time with loved ones. These are fantastic occasions to discover neighborhood happenings, savor exceptional dishes, or perhaps go on quick excursions. Remember to put these dates in your calendar so you can schedule your activities ahead of time.

What is Hari Raya 2025?

Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji are the two major festivities that make up Hari Raya 2025. The end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, is signified by Hari Raya Puasa. It’s a season of happiness, eating, and get-togethers with family. Hari Raya Haji, on the other hand, pays tribute to Ibrahim’s narrative, who was prepared to sacrifice his son. Themes of sacrifice and faith are central to this festival. Each celebration has its own set of traditions, including contributions to the less fortunate, feast days, and special prayers. They serve as a reminder of the value of giving and community.

What holiday is March 15, 2025?

March 15, 2025, is not a public holiday in Singapore. However, this date can still be remembered. Because it occurs on a Saturday, you may plan a relaxing day at home or an exciting family outing. Make use of this time by exploring the surrounding area, having picnics, and visiting parks. It’s a fantastic chance to spend time with your loved ones away from the strain of a demanding workweek.

Check out the list of school holidays in 2025 in Singapore.

Featured Image Credit: Depositphotos

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