Hungry Ghost Festival

The Hungry Ghost Festival falls on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, the midpoint of Ghost Month — a period when the gates of the underworld are believed to open, allowing spirits of the deceased to roam the living world.

The festival has roots in both Buddhist and Taoist traditions. In Buddhism, it is linked to the story of Mulian, who rescued his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts through acts of filial piety and merit. The festival serves as a reminder to honor ancestors and show compassion to all wandering spirits.

Families prepare elaborate offerings of food, paper money, and paper replicas of material goods (houses, cars, clothing) to burn for deceased relatives. Incense is lit at home altars and roadsides. In Singapore, getai (歌台) — lively outdoor stage performances featuring singing, comedy, and dance — are held throughout Ghost Month to entertain the wandering spirits. It is customary to avoid swimming, moving house, or getting married during Ghost Month. Food offerings are also placed along roadsides for orphan spirits with no living descendants.