Shawn Tan
While Singapore has welcomed the new year by entering Phase 3, the country is still not letting their guard down. The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar for this year’s edition will be cancelled. This is the second time the annual event has been called off, with the last time being just last year.
On Wednesday, 13 January, bazaar organiser Wisma Geylang Serai (WGS) announced that in light of the evolving COVID-19 situation, physical bazaars and trade fairs that traditionally attract large crowds will not resume “for the safety and well-being of our residents”. News of the cancellation would no doubt put a damper on the festive spirit, with the event something many Singaporeans look forward to each year.
Bazaar to go virtual instead
That said, not all is lost. The Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar would still go ahead as a virtual event, revealed WGS. More information on the online edition is set to be made available in due time. But expect a curated programme that would include music, comedy, cooking, baking, and exercise videos streamed on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. The virtual bazaar would also take place during the Hari Raya Puasa period, which is from 9 April to 13 May 2021.
Those craving for a physical experience will also be glad to hear that the area where the event is traditionally held will be lit up with festive decorations from 9 April to 23 May. While this cannot compare with the buzz of the actual event, the spirit of the festival would at least still be in the air.
Also read: 5 Interesting Sites to Visit on the Geylang Serai Heritage Trail
Safety first
While coronavirus cases in Singapore have been restricted to imported cases in recent times, a virtual Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar is still the safest option that allows all to join in the celebrations without compromising on safety. Hopefully, we can all look forward to a physical bazaar in the not so distant future. Check out the Wisma Geylang Serai Facebook page for more information and updates.
