Zhongyuan Festival falls on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. In Singapore, it is observed for the whole month as it is believed that the gates of hell are opened and spirits are free to wander during this period. This is why it is also popularly known as the Hungry Ghost Festival.
To encourage a better appreciation of the distinctive Chinese Singaporean culture, the Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre has launched a series of programmes that highlight some of the customs and traditions practised during this month-long festival.
The public can learn more about Zhongyuan Festival through the following programmes:
Zhongyuan Festival Dos and Don’ts” interactive game
Available from 19 August 2020, 6 PM
Learn the Dos and Don’ts of Zhongyuan Festival in this choose-your-own-adventure interactive game. Take charge of how the story unfolds by making decisions for Xiao Ming as he goes on a run at night, and learn about the various taboos of this widely-observed festival along the way!
Keeping Traditions Alive: Making Mobile Mini Getai
Available from 22 August 2020, 6 PM
Gather your craft materials, and learn how to make your very own mobile getai in four easy steps with this entertaining tutorial! Featuring Zijun, a young Singaporean whose family runs a mobile getai business, hear more about his experiences with this unusual profession, and learn his trade secrets!
Kaki Says: Zhongyuan Festival
Available from 28 August 2020, 6 PM
Find out more about the Zhongyuan Festival in this animated video – the different significance to Buddhists and Taoists, and learn more about the various practices observed by the Chinese community in Singapore.
TGIF Music Station: SCCC x YES 933 – Getai Special
4 September 2020, from 8 PM
Sing along to popular tunes by homegrown talents, from the comfort of your home with TGIF Music Station: SCCC x YES 933 in partnership with local getai operator Lex(S) Entertainment Productions! Look forward to an uproarious good time at the Getai Special featuring veterans Hao Hao, Lee Pei Fen, The Babes, Desmond Ng, Yang Guang Ke Le, and more!
For more details, visit here.
SINGAPO(ren): Discovering Chinese Singaporean Culture
- Ongoing
- Open from 2 PM – 8 PM on Monday, and from 10 AM – 8 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
- Early closures at 3 PM on Fridays – 21, 28 August
- Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Level 2
- Free Admission
Learn about the Zhongyuan Festival and more, at the Centre’s SINGAPO(ren) exhibition which highlights Chinese Singaporean culture from food to music, as well as language and festivals. Learn how Chinese culture in Singapore has evolved in a way quite unlike other communities around the world, and come discover or rediscover what it means to be a ‘Chinese Singapo’ today.
For more information, please visit here.