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So you think you know Singapore?

Q: When was the first Chinese New Year Chingay Procession held in Singapore and what does Chingay mean?
A: 1973. Chingay means the "art of masquerading."

Q: Hari Raya Puasa signifies what, and when is it celebrated?
A: It is is celebration of openness of mind and heart and begins with the birth of the new moon of Syawal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.

Q: What is the highlight of HARI RAYA HAJI?
A: The sacrifice of a goat or buffalo as a mark of gratitude to Allah

Q: When is the Tamil New Year?
A: begins on the day the sun enters the zodiacal house Medam (Aries), in the month of Chithirai (between April and May).

Q: What is a kavadi which is often carried by devotees in the Thaipusam procession from the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road to the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple in Tank Road?
A: The traditional kavadi is a wooden arch on a wooden base, decorated with peacock feathers and supporting various offerings like fruits, flowers and pots of milk, carried in penitence or thanksgiving.

Q: What is Thimithi?
A: It is a fire-walking ceremony, conducted at the Sri Mariamman Temple in the month of Aipasi (between October and November).

Q: What does Deepavali, the Festival of Lights symbolize?
A: The victory of good over evil and light over darkness.

Q: Vesak falls on the full moon day in the fifth month of the year. What does it celebrate?
A: Vesak Day denotes perfection and commemorates the birth, enlightenment and Nirvana (liberation from earthly passions and desires) of the Buddha.

Q: Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter. What is the significance of those events?
A: Christmas is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe to be the Son of God, and Easter is a celebration of their belief in Christ's victory over death, bringing the gift of eternal life to all who believe in Christ.