Geylang Serai Light-Up & Ramadan Bazaar 2023


Geylang Serai Light-Up and Ramadan Bazaar 2023 have beautiful festive lights and some 700 stalls for everyone to enjoy.


I didn’t read up before heading down yesterday, and for once, that turned out to be a good thing.

As in, I didn’t know the Geylang Serai Ramadan celebrations this year would be so large-scale. After three years of cancellations and subdued festivities, I’ve completely forgotten how grand the bazaars used to be. How wonderful it was to then be “reminded!” Whether while soaking in the vibes at the various food areas or watching the street bazaar stretch all the way from Tanjong Katong Complex to Joo Chiat Complex, and beyond.

Titled Raya Gemilang, or “Glorious Raya,” this year’s bazaar impresses with some hardcore numbers too. There will be 700 stalls and performances/entertainment by over 200 cultural groups. The bazaar will also run till April 22. That’s more than 30 days; I don’t think the previous bazaars were ever that long.

It … was truly great standing beside Geylang Road last night, smelling the food, listening to the thumping music, watching the crowds …

For Singaporean Muslims who had to endure three years of downscaled celebrations, I’m sure the spectacle is especially poignant too.

The Lights of Raya Gemilang 2023

Let me start with the lights. Like previous years, Geylang Serai Light-Up 2023 is a “parallel system,” with enchanting lights over both Geylang Road and Sims Avenue.

There are festival gateways too, of course. The most prominent one is right between PLQ Mall and Tanjong Katong Complex. In other words, the same location as last year’s light-up.

Geylang Serai Lights 2023
I think this year’s street decorations are a little simpler compared to the previous two years. There are supposed to be 3 Cs for Competency, Character, and Citizenry too. (Unless I heard the opening speech wrongly) But I … really don’t see those letters.
Singapore Ramadan Lights 2023
At the Joo Chiat Complex junction, i.e., my favourite photo spot.
Geylang Serai Hari Raya Puasa 2023
Looking down Geylang Road. Those (unsightly) safety barriers are because stalls line both sides of the stretch.
Geylang Serai Light Up 2023 Festive Gateway
Another look at the festive gateway, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!
Wisma Geylang Serai was quite a lovely sight too, underneath the early evening sky.

Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2023

The festive lights are pretty, but I think I’m not wrong to say … they wouldn’t be the main attraction this year. Because of the Ramadan bazaar!

In one word, it’s huge. HUGE. There are different dining tents/areas. A street bazaar and a “souq city” too; the latter, where local entrepreneurs will sell their wares. Where there would be community shelves for all to donate food and clothing to the needy as well.

Unfortunately, though, most of the souq was still in preparation when I visited; there weren’t many operators. But even without those, there was still a lot to enjoy and photograph. There was, of course, also lots of great halal food to feast on.

(Update: Well, as it turned out, the souq wasn’t empty because things were still in preparation. I’ll just leave the link to an article with the reason here …)

Geylang Serai Food Bazaar 2023
This is the food “tent” nearest to Tanjong Katong Complex. It has chillax rooftop seats.
Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2023 Food
A selection of the food stalls at the above area. There’s quite a lot of, erm, hipster street food? But there are traditional fare too, with modern twists.
Geylang Serai Ramadan Food Fair 2023
The biggest food area is behind Wisma Geylang Serai. Wide selection of the traditional and modern here. With more dessert selections compared to previous years too.
Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar 2023 Dining Area
The largest food tent, i.e., the one behind Wisma G.S. has a spacious dining area with a bandstand.
Raya Gemilang Street Bazaar
Entrance to … the street bazaar, the souq city? Or both?
Geylang Serai Light Up 2023
This starry tent is right beside Haig Road Food Centre. There are not a lot of food stalls at this one, though.
Geylang Serai Light Up and Bazaar 2023
Looks magical at night, doesn’t it? I foresee many Singaporeans flocking here for food and ambience all the way till late April.


Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar ends on Apr 22, 2023. Operating hours are from 10 am to 12 midnight, with closing hour extended to 6 am (!) on Apr 22, i.e., Hari Raya Puasa.

The festive light-up ends on Apr 30, 2023.


Kampong Glam Ramadan Bazaar 2023.

Other festive celebrations in Singapore.

Summary
Geylang Serai Light-Up & Ramadan Bazaar 2023
Article Name
Geylang Serai Light-Up & Ramadan Bazaar 2023
Description
Geylang Serai Light-Up and Ramadan Bazaar 2023 have started! It’s great to see these celebrations finally back to their previous glory.
Author
Scribbling Geek
Scribbling Geekhttps://www.scribblinggeek.com
Geek, gamer, writer, movie lover, photographer, and occasional graphic artist. I like to consider myself a one-stop content creator of sorts. But the truth is, I obsess over too many hobbies.

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