Chingay floats on show at launch of Hari Raya Light Up 2015

SIX Chingay floats will be on display during the launch of the Hari Raya Light Up 2015 next Saturday.

Visitors will have a chance to hop onto a Hippo Bus to admire the decorations along a 2.3km stretch along Geylang Road and Sims Avenue.

Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin, who is MP for Marine Parade GRC, said: "We want to celebrate the Malay-Muslim community and their role in the development and growth in our nation."

Themed Reliving The Kampung Days, the light-up will feature elements from that period, such as the gable roof, a staple architectural design in traditional Malay houses.

The lights will also display greetings such as "Eid Mubarak", a greeting used by Muslims marking the completion of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which starts on June 18 and ends on July 17 this year.

Each stretch of the light-up will feature a different main arch.

The arch in Sims Avenue, for instance, will prominently feature a dome, a common design feature of mosques.

The arch in Geylang Road will have palm trees and sampans, often seen in kampungs along the sea.

The designs of the light-up will be prominent not only at night.

Said Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef, MP for Marine Parade GRC: "This year, we are bringing more vibrant colours to the design.

"This is so that the designs of the light-up are prominent even in the day."

Aside from the festive lights, fringe activities will also run throughout the month of Ramadan.

Starting from June 19, visitors can engage in different cultural activities, such as watching cooking demonstrations of simple Malay dishes and trying on traditional Malay costumes, at the open space adjacent to Eunos Road 5.

Activities take place every Friday to Sunday over two sessions, 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Admission is free.

For some, the wider range of celebrations is a cause for celebration.

"I am very excited... it will be very vibrant and bright," said Madam Tan Hwee Sung, 62, a horticulturist.

The light-up will be launched next Saturday at 8pm, at the open space adjacent to Eunos Road 5.

At the launch, visitors can watch performances by celebrities such as veteran singer Rahimah Rahim and Farisha Ishak, winner of singing contest The Final 1.

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