Festivals/Celebrations

Japan’s cherry blossom fans face record-high food prices

Some consumers may be cutting back on travel and dining out, opting instead to celebrate closer to home.

A ‘Garden Raya’ blooms outside Beach Road flat

(PLS DO NOT USE PIX, PIX IS FOR PUBLICATION ON MARCH 21) Mr Ryan Qim (an alias), 49, a chef, adjusting his Hari Raya decorations outside his flat in Beach Road on March 9, 2026. He began decorating his apartment six years ago after noticing that the festive spirit of Hari Raya seemed to be fading, and now creates a different theme each year. This year’s “Garden Raya” theme was inspired by his love for flowers and the floral displays at Gardens by the Bay. Though a chef by profession, Mr Qim picked up interior design as a passion about 15 years ago and now does freelance consulting work on the side. His elaborate decorations have drawn the attention of neighbours, who often stop to take photos and compliment his work. His desire to decorate stems from childhood memories of his family adorning their home during Hari Raya, which brought relatives and neighbours together. To Mr Qim, Hari Raya is a time for family bonding, and he hopes his decorations help share the festive spirit with others. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO

Cautious consumers in Indonesia scale back Hari Raya spending as uncertainty weighs

Passengers carrying luggage queue at Pasar Senen train station, as people travel to their hometowns to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, known locally as 'Mudik', in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 16, 2026. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan

Malaysia woos tourists with ‘balik kampung’ experience during the festive season

Homestay guests in Malaysia can learn to weave casings made of coconut leaves that are used to cook ketupat among other activities.

Theatre review

Charmingly chaotic Tall Tales: Bananas & Ang Ku Kuehs tells weird and whimsical fables for adults

sftall08 - Bananas & Ang Ku Kueh is a collaboration between Oliver Chong of Singapore’s The Finger Players and Wang Chia-Ming of Taiwan’s Shakespeare’s Wild Sisters Group.

CREDIT AND COPYRIGHT: CRISPIAN CHAN

In Indonesia, non-Muslims join race to buy Ramadan bazaar snacks

kttakjil - Vendor serves a customer at the popular takjil market in the Bendungan Hilir neighborhood of Central Jakarta on Feb 25, 2026.
ST PHOTO: KARINA TEHUSIJARANA

SPH Media to host corporate 5-a-side tournament Football Fiesta in June

SPH Media's Football Fiesta tournament on June 7 will be held at Singapore Premier League champions’ Lion City Sailors’ training centre at 8 Mattar Road.

Theatre review

Heartfelt and soulful LauZone explores the migrant experience through Babel’s tower of languages

Composer and singer Anna Lo with performer Rick Lau in LauZone, part of the Esplanade's Huayi festival.

China’s Spring Festival travel and spending hit record highs, but it’s not all rosy

China has pushed to stimulate domestic spending through a range of policy measures rolled out before Spring Festival.

Crowds expected at cemeteries, columbaria during Qing Ming; public urged to avoid 11 peak days

NEA encouraged visitors paying respects at cemeteries and columbaria to visit on off-peak days.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.