Hungry Ghost Festival 2025 in Singapore Myths, Legends & What You Should Know.
- Sandpiper Hotel Singapore
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Every year, as the seventh month of the lunar calendar rolls in, Singapore transforms. The air thickens with incense, the streets flicker with candlelight, and offerings line the sidewalks.
This is the Hungry Ghost Festival, a deeply spiritual time when the boundary between the living and the dead is believed to blur.
What Is the Hungry Ghost Festival?
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Zhong Yuan Jie (中元节), is observed by Taoists and Buddhists across East and Southeast Asia. In Singapore, it’s a month-long event where the spirits of the deceased are believed to roam the earth, seeking food, entertainment, and sometimes, closure.
Unlike Qingming Festival, which honours ancestors, the Hungry Ghost Festival is about appeasing wandering souls who may not have family to care for them. It’s a time of rituals, performances, and offerings to ensure peace between the realms.
Myths & Legends That Shape the Festival
The festival is steeped in folklore. Here are some of the most enduring tales:
The Hungry Ghosts: These are spirits who died tragically, violently, or without proper burial rites. They wander in hunger and frustration, and if ignored, may cause misfortune.
Mulian Saves His Mother: A Buddhist monk named Mulian discovers his mother suffering in the afterlife due to her misdeeds. He offers food and prayers, inspiring the tradition of feeding the dead.
Hell’s Gates Open: It’s believed that on the first day of the seventh lunar month, the gates of the underworld open, releasing spirits into the human world. They return on the last day, making the month spiritually charged.
The Red Thread & Paper Money: Some legends say spirits follow red threads or are drawn to joss paper (hell money). Burning these items helps them find peace or at least stay away from the living.
What You’ll See in Singapore
Singapore’s observance is rich and theatrical. Here’s what to expect:
Getai Performances: Loud, colorful concerts featuring singing, dancing, and comedy. The first few rows are left empty—for the spirits.
Burning of Offerings: Locals burn joss paper, paper houses, cars, and even smartphones to send comfort to the afterlife.
Street Altars: Temporary altars pop up near homes and businesses, filled with food, incense, and candles.
Food Offerings: You’ll see fruits, rice, and even roast meats laid out on sidewalks, not for humans, but for spirits.
What to Do During Hungry Ghost Festival
Respect is key. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here’s how to stay spiritually safe and culturally sensitive:
Observe Quietly: If you pass a ritual or altar, walk around it respectfully. Don’t touch or photograph offerings without permission.
Burn Offerings Properly: If you’re participating, use designated bins and avoid burning items near trees or buildings.
Attend Getai Shows: These are open to the public and offer a unique glimpse into Singapore’s spiritual entertainment. Just don’t sit in the front row!
Offer Food or Incense: If you want to participate, simple offerings like fruits or incense sticks are appreciated.
Learn & Share: Ask questions, read up, and share the meaning behind the festival with others. Cultural appreciation goes a long way.
❌ What Not to Do
This is where superstition meets etiquette. Here are some common taboos:
Don’t Step on Offerings: Accidentally or not, it’s considered extremely disrespectful and may invite bad luck.
Avoid Swimming at Night: It’s believed that water spirits are more active during this time and may “pull” the living.
Don’t Whistle at Night: Spirits may interpret it as a call and follow you home.
Avoid Moving House or Getting Married: Major life events are discouraged during this month due to spiritual instability.
Don’t Pick Up Random Items: If you see money, jewellery, or food on the ground, leave it. It may be an offering.
Final Thoughts
The Hungry Ghost Festival 2025 in Singapore officially spans the entire 7th lunar month, which runs from:
Start: 🗓️ 23 August 2025 : the gates of the underworld open, and spirits begin roaming the earth
Peak Day (Ghost Day): 6 September 2025 , the 15th day of the lunar month, when spirits are believed to be most active
End: 🔥 21 September 2025 : the gates close, and rituals are performed to send spirits back peacefully
During this period, you'll see offerings, Getai performances, and rituals across Singapore. If you're planning to participate or observe, these dates are key!
The Hungry Ghost Festival isn’t just about fear, it’s about compassion. It reminds us to care for those who’ve passed, especially the forgotten. In a city as modern as Singapore, this ancient tradition still thrives, connecting generations through ritual and respect.
Whether you’re lighting incense, watching Getai, or simply walking past an altar, your part of a living story and one that honours the invisible and celebrates the spiritual.