Cartus Team Celebrates Hari Raya Puasa!

Impact on Relocation Programmes

Most Muslim countries will see businesses, shops, and local authorities closed on the first and second day of Hari Raya (although official closures vary from country to country). In Singapore, it is a public holiday on 3 May (Tuesday) following the Labour Day gusseted holiday on 2 May. Assignees should be mindful of this long holiday weekend and expect delays during this period.

Geylang Serai Light-up and Bazaar 2022

One of the annual events leading up to Hari Raya is the Geylang Serai Light-up that stretches 1.4km from Changi Road, Geylang Road, and Sims Avenue which will last from now until 8 May. The theme for this year’s light-up is “Gotong Royong – Unity and Resilience”, celebrating the spirit of the community helping one another and kindness, in the light of the global pandemic over the last two years. Besides the colourful display of lights, the famous Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2022 is also back this year! It boasts rows and rows of Malay festive goodies and trinkets that are a must eat/buy for locals. For assignees who are in Singapore, be sure to make a trip down to Geylang Serai and immerse yourself in the festivities and try out the local delights.

Here’s how our Cartus team will celebrate Hari Raya this year:

“I always start my celebration by going for a morning prayer on the first day. It is followed by a scrumptious meal homecooked by my sister and mother where we indulge in dishes such as chicken in red sauce, beef rendang (spicy meat dish) and prawn sambal (prawns cooked in spice and chili).

We will also dress up in our new Raya outfits and many families have the tradition of dressing up in similar outfits/colours. It is also part of our family tradition to ask for forgiveness from our elders before stepping out to enjoy the rest of the visitations with families and friends.”

-Arib, Siti Maznawiyah, Admin Assistant, Singapore

“To me, Hari Raya has an incredibly special meaning as it is a celebration of loved ones. Donning new clothes, visiting elderly and loved ones are a must-do as we celebrate the end of Ramadan. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, my family and I can now visit more friends and families this year and I am so excited! Besides spending time with them, feasting on delicious festive food like lontong (vegetable and rice cake cooked in curry), rendang (spicy meat dish) and new year kueh (sweet treats like pineapple tarts or makmur) is also one of the highlights of the festival too. For the kids, they also get to collect green packets (small green packets filled with money as blessings).”

-Mazdiana Mazelan, Global Talent Mobility Consultant, Singapore

Cartus wishes everyone Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!