China is known for its array of intriguing festivals of which the Hungry Ghosts Festival is no exception. Intriguing in every sense of the word, this festival has attracted a plethora of tourists just by its name itself. Hungry Ghosts…?? Everyone wants to know the tale behind it! And the story is even better. Every year in the period of the festival the Chinese believe that the gates of hell are released and the spirits or rather souls of the dead are set free to wander the earth; on this day, thousands of Chinese people get together to pay their respects to the deceased.

In Singapore rituals of this festival are usually observed by the Chinese in the month of August in the Western Calendar. The celebrations can be easily observed in the activities in the state where believers congregate, burn traditional incense sticks, perform prayer and serve oranges, bowls of rice, roasted suckling pig and a special Chinese cake as an offering for the dead. Several tents are set up around the region where different traditional forms of entertainment are played which is thought to entertain the spirits. These live Getai and Wayang performances not only depict stories of the gods and goddesses but also include comedy, song and acrobatic pole dances. Burning of paper money is also another custom of the festival that is thought to bring great fortune in the afterlife. The Chinese go all out in various different ways to appease these roaming spirits which is definitely something to experience. Anyone is welcome to watch this unusual and rather interesting festival. But be careful not to sit on the first row as they are reserved for the ‘special guests’ visiting this day of the year.

After your spooky adventure in the city, come back home to the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Singapore.  When you are choosing from Singapore hotels it is important to see if they are centrally located. These luxury hotels are located in ideal locations with all the amenities to pamper you making them amongst the finest hotels in Singapore.