Many cultures around the world hold festivals to honour their dead, and likewise, in Singapore, many Taoists and Buddhists observe the Hungry Ghost Festival, which takes place in the seventh month of the lunar calendar.

It is believed that during the seventh month, which starts on 29 July this year, the souls of the deceased are released from the netherworld to roam the earth. Out of filial piety, or to appease wandering souls, believers will make offerings of food, incense sticks, candles and joss paper.

Mdm Ngiam Bee Har, 70, remembers a time when her extended family would gather to honour their departed loved ones during the Hungry Ghost Festival. 

“My children and grandchildren would come together at the ground floor of my place at Blk 512. I remember the kids would try burning the incense papers, while the adults repeatedly reminded them to be careful.” 

Mdm Ngiam added that now, even if her family members are busy, she will make time to burn paper offerings to keep with tradition. 

However, the Cheng San-Seletar resident noted the importance of being considerate and keeping the surroundings clean while observing traditions.

“I will always use the burners placed near my block. They are safer, and I notice there is less ash and smoke emission from these burners. In a way, this is good for the environment and will not cause health issues to people,” said Mdm Ngiam.

She discourages others from burning incense papers on the ground and grass patches because this is a fire hazard. She explained: “It is very dangerous to burn offerings at undesignated locations. Ash and half-burnt offerings will fly everywhere. If a fire breaks out, people may get injured.” 

Food offerings left on the ground is another concern during the festival. Not only do they increase the cleaners’ workload, but they also attract rodents and other pests. Mdm Ngiam emphasised that it is important to clean up after ourselves to maintain a clean, pleasant and safe living environment for all.

“The Hungry Ghost Festival is a time we remember our ancestors, but we should practise the rituals responsibly and not cause inconvenience to others,” she said.

Here are some tips for devotees to practise their rituals during the Seventh Lunar Month:

1 Burn joss paper in proper burners or designated burners provided by the town council.

2 Avoid open burning of joss paper and incense sticks or candles directly on the ground, grass patches, walkways, vehicular driveway, near parked vehicles and building as these pose fire hazards and damage common property.

3 There is no need to throw joss paper in the air to indicate “prosperity”. This can be difficult to clean up, please burn the joss paper instead.

4 Do not leave food offerings on the ground after prayers, as they attract pests like rats and ants.

5 Do not leave the burner unattended while burning and check the area for smouldering incense or embers and make sure the fires are completely put out before leaving.

Click here to learn more about the origins, significance and taboos of the Hungry Ghost Festival.

[Chinese]

今年的农历七月落在7月29日至8月26日。在这段期间，需要焚烧冥纸和祭拜供品的信众，请注意以下几点，以确保邻里安全和保持环境清洁：
一、使用适当或市镇会提供的焚烧桶；
二、不要在地面、草地、人行道和车道上，或靠近车辆和建筑物的地方直接焚烧香烛和冥纸，以免引发火患和破坏公物；
三、请把冥纸放入焚烧桶焚烧，无须抛撒冥纸以示兴旺；
四、祭拜后清理供品，以免招引鼠蚁等害虫；
五、确保冥纸和香烛完全熄灭后才离开。