Here’s everything to know about Raikan Cahaya Ramadan 2023!
As the season of Ramadan and its iconic bazaars rolls around once more, One Kampong Gelam is set to bring back Cahaya Ramadan this year for its biggest edition yet. Inspired by the heartwarming Kampong spirit so prevalent in the 60s, Raikan Cahaya Ramadan 2023 promises hearty celebrations of the culture and community holding us together.
Over 100+ food stalls and retail booths
Weekend night lights at the mosque and aerial lights
Weekend performances and talks
Mass Iftar on 1 April with a Pay-it-Forward option for those who wish to share their meal
10-day Charity Drive on the last 10 days of the bazaar
Revel in the Ramadan spirit with friends and family at Kampong Gelam
Translating to ‘Celebrating the light of Ramadan’, the bazaar will takeplace across 15 March - 16 April all over the Kampong Gelam precinct, where bazaar-goers can look forward to food, shopping, a Mass Iftar (with the option to Pay-It-Forward) on 1 April and a Charity Drive from 7-16 April - all illuminated by captivating light displays.
THE EATS:
“What’s there to eat?” is always the question on all our minds when it comes to Ramadan Bazaars, and this year visitors will be spoiled for choice with 80++ food stalls full of delicious treats ranging from savoury to sweet.
THE TRENDY…
Think instagrammable takes on halal food like the Salmon Mentai sushi bake at Yodaebak and De Tako’s Japanese takoyaki. Or satisfy a sweet tooth with instaworthy fusion churros at Loco Loco and colourful kuih at Boy Kuih!
THE TRADITIONAL…
Those preferring classic flavours can go for fragrant nasi ambeng and traditional platters at PADI or get Ministry of Rojak’s mouthwatering rojak. And Pedot Lamb Grill and T Bob Corner have got the meatlovers covered with a variety of grilled lamb, meatballs, ribs, BBQ seafood and more - for everyone to enjoy.
& THE THIRST QUENCHING!
Walking around the bazaar will definitely work up a thirst, and Tebuuuu will be there to save the day with its refreshing sugarcane drinks. If milk tea, fruit sodas and Charcoal Matcha sound more your style, head to Broti for a variety of ‘grammable housemade drinks to wash down your meal. And if you want something more unique, try a fruity yet creamy watermelon milk at GAOSYP to satisfy your thirst and tastebuds.
*Wondering what to eat? Well we’ve taken the time to compile them and you can access the full list below
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Whether you’re shopping for your friends, family, or even yourself, the bazaar’s retail booths are open every day with a little something for everyone.
Shop for fashionable Muslimah clothing at brands like Petra and Sherkzy Co (& more!), or browse through hijabs and other accessories offered at Bentahir Enterprise. And if you’re looking for something more artisanal, take a look at modern hand painted batik at Kaftan Crafts.
If you’ve keeping an eye out for practical gifts, why not get the kids going green with sustainable lunchboxes at Mama Shop by Porto Novo? Or better still, treat the whole family to quality rest with pillows from Bantal Hotel SG.
*Wondering what to buy? Well we’ve taken the time to compile them and you can access the full list below
Light Up The Night
LUMINOUS LIGHT SHOWS
Uplifting the bazaar surroundings is an array of Moments Projection lighting from Fridays - Sundays, 8PM & 10.30PM illuminating the iconic Masjid Sultan Mosque with enchanting displays, symbolising Kampong Gelam’s cultural heritage. What’s more, drone-controlled LED kites will float above the festival to wow onlookers with shimmering bright colours from the skies on Fridays & Saturdays, 8.30PM & 10PM.
ENLIVENING PERFORMANCES
This year’s Raikan Cahaya Ramadan plans to take us back to the bustling energy from the roaring 1960s Ramadan bazaars, with live music from a line-up of talented singers to serenade all bazaar-goers at Baghdad Street carpark. And what’s a Ramadan bazaar without some entertainment? With riveting live performances of both modern and traditional dance as well as enriching live dialogues, get ready for a perfect blend of past and present to make this year’s RCR a year to remember.
Sharing The Ramadan Spirit
MASS IFTAR (1 April)
Remembering that Ramadan is not just a holy month of self-reflection, but also one to celebrate community and experience spiritual fulfillment, RCR is holding its first Mass Iftar of 200 tables since 2019, in conjunction with Qiyamullail (night prayers). Share a meal with fellow friends and family or sponsor a table for less fortunate beneficiaries so that all can celebrate Ramadan feeling the Kampong spirit.
CHARITY DRIVE (7 - 16 April)
To top if off, OKG is organising a donation drive in the last 10 days of Ramadan to bless the less fortunate with preloved clothing, household essentials and non-perishable items that will be collected and distributed to beneficiaries just in time to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
If you require any assistance, please do feel free to reach out to Messiah (+65 9826-1652 / Messiah@multikulti.asia) or Kiran (+65 9116 8249 / Kiran@multikulti.asia) and we’ll get back to you soonest!
If you have any Ramadan stories or weekend rounds up planned, we’d really appreciate it if you could keep our client in mind. In case you’ve taken any photos, please do consider tagging our client @visitkamponggelam with the hashtags #visitkamponggelam #OneKampongGelam #KampongGelam #VisitSingapore
