🌙 Hari Raya 2026 Date — Singapore & Malaysia

Hari Raya 2026 Key Dates at a Glance

Hari Raya is the most anticipated Islamic celebration in both Singapore and Malaysia, observed by millions of Muslims across both countries. In 2026, there are two Hari Raya holidays: Hari Raya Puasa (also known as Eid al-Fitr or Aidilfitri), which marks the end of Ramadan, and Hari Raya Haji (also known as Eid al-Adha or Aidiladha), which falls 70 days later on the Day of Sacrifice.

The table below shows the confirmed and predicted dates for both Hari Raya holidays across Singapore and Malaysia in 2026.

Important: All Islamic calendar dates are subject to moon sighting and may shift by ±1 day from predicted dates. The dates above are based on astronomical calculations and will be confirmed by the respective religious authorities closer to the date.

Hari Raya Puasa 2026 — Eid al-Fitr Date

Hari Raya Puasa 2026 is expected to fall on Friday, 20 March 2026 in both Singapore and Malaysia. This date marks the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, immediately following the end of Ramadan (the holy month of fasting).

The fact that Hari Raya Puasa falls on a Friday in 2026 is particularly favourable, as it naturally creates a 3-day long weekend (Friday–Sunday) for workers in both countries without needing to take any annual leave. In Malaysia, the government has additionally gazetted Saturday 21 March as a second public holiday, extending the official break.

Ramadan 2026

Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around 20–21 February 2026, lasting 29 or 30 days depending on the moon sighting. This means the fasting month in 2026 runs through February and most of March — a period that crosses the school term in Singapore and coincides with the final school exam preparations in Malaysia.

The end of Ramadan and the sighting of the new crescent moon signals the beginning of Shawwal, and Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated the following morning. In Singapore, MUIS typically announces the date of Hari Raya Puasa on the evening of the 29th day of Ramadan — this announcement is broadcast live and closely watched across the Muslim community.

What Happens Before Hari Raya Puasa

The week leading up to Hari Raya is called Hari Raya eve week, and it is one of the most festive and commercially active periods of the year in both countries. Bazaars spring up across Singapore (most famously the Geylang Serai Bazaar) and throughout Malaysian cities, selling baju kurung, baju Melayu, kuih, festive decorations, and duit raya packets. Shopping malls run extended hours, and the demand for traditional Malay garments drives a major retail spike in the weeks prior.

The night before Hari Raya (malam raya) is spent with family — finishing preparations, baking cookies, and for many, performing the final tarawih prayers of Ramadan.

Hari Raya Haji 2026 — Eid al-Adha Date

Hari Raya Haji 2026 falls on Tuesday, 26 May 2026 in Singapore and Wednesday, 27 May 2026 in Malaysia. This one-day difference is a recurring phenomenon explained in detail in the section below.

Hari Raya Haji commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened and provided a ram to sacrifice instead. It also coincides with the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, where Muslims from around the world gather at Mount Arafat. In Singapore and Malaysia, it is a public holiday observed with mosque prayers, the ritual slaughter of animals (qurban), and the distribution of meat to the less fortunate.

How Hari Raya Haji Differs from Hari Raya Puasa

While Hari Raya Puasa is a jubilant, family-focused celebration with open houses, new clothes, and an upbeat festive atmosphere, Hari Raya Haji is more solemn and spiritual in nature. The focus is on sacrifice, charity, and communal prayer. Open houses do happen, but they are typically smaller and less extravagant than those for Puasa. The mood is more reflective, and many Muslims use the day to visit the mosque in the morning and spend the afternoon with close family.

From a practical travel standpoint, Hari Raya Haji generates far less traffic disruption than Hari Raya Puasa. There is no balik kampung phenomenon, and flights are not as heavily booked — making it an excellent time for Singaporeans and Malaysians to travel regionally.

Long Weekend for Hari Raya 2026

Both Hari Raya holidays in 2026 present excellent long weekend opportunities for residents of Singapore and Malaysia.

Hari Raya Puasa Long Weekend — 20 March 2026

Hari Raya Puasa falling on Friday, 20 March creates a natural 3-day long weekend (Friday–Sunday) for workers in Singapore. No annual leave is needed. For Malaysia, both Friday and Saturday are public holidays, giving an effective 3-day break from Thursday evening (eve of Raya) through Sunday.

• Singapore: Friday 20 Mar (public holiday) + Saturday 21 Mar + Sunday 22 Mar = 3-day break
• Malaysia: Friday 20 Mar (Day 1, public holiday) + Saturday 21 Mar (Day 2, public holiday) + Sunday 22 Mar = 3-day break

Travel warning: Avoid traveling on the Thursday before Hari Raya and the Monday after — roads and airports are extremely busy during these windows. The Causeway between Johor and Singapore can see queues of 3–5 hours during peak balik kampung periods.

Hari Raya Haji Long Weekend — May 2026

The Hari Raya Haji dates differ by one day between Singapore and Malaysia in 2026:

• Singapore: Tuesday 26 May is a public holiday. Workers who take Monday 25 May off get a 4-day break (Mon–Thu). Combined with Wesak Day on 31 May (Sunday) and taking 27–29 May off, a 9-day mega-break is achievable.
• Malaysia: Wednesday 27 May and Thursday 28 May are both public holidays. Taking Monday 25 May and Tuesday 26 May off gives a full week off (Sat 23 May to Sun 31 May) if Wesak Day on 31 May is also included.

This May–June cluster is widely considered the best leave-planning opportunity in the entire 2026 calendar for both countries.

Why Singapore and Malaysia Sometimes Have Different Dates

It can be confusing when Hari Raya falls on different days across the Causeway. This happens because both countries independently determine Islamic holiday dates based on local moon sighting, rather than using a single shared astronomical calculation.

Singapore: MUIS Moon Sighting

In Singapore, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS — Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura) is the authority responsible for determining the start of Ramadan, the date of Hari Raya Puasa, and the date of Hari Raya Haji. MUIS uses a combination of astronomical calculations and physical moon sighting to make its determination. The announcement is typically made on the 29th day of the preceding Islamic month and is broadcast live via the national media.

Malaysia: Rukyah Moon Sighting Committee

Malaysia has its own moon sighting committee (Jawatankuasa Rukyah) operating under the jurisdiction of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Like Singapore, Malaysia conducts its own physical sighting of the crescent moon from designated observation points across the country. The determination is made independently of Singapore's announcement.

Why the Dates Can Differ

The crescent moon may be visible in one location but not another due to atmospheric conditions, cloud cover, or the observer's geographical position. Even with the same astronomical data, the sighting outcome can differ. This is why Singapore and Malaysia — despite being geographically close — sometimes arrive at different conclusions about when a new Islamic month begins.

For Hari Raya Haji 2026 specifically, the predicted dates of 26 May (SG) and 27 May (MY) reflect the global variation in Eid al-Adha dates based on when the Day of Arafah (9th of Dhul Hijjah) is observed. Saudi Arabia's official Dhul Hijjah calendar announcement heavily influences the date of Hari Raya Haji, and different countries may align differently with the Saudi determination.

The practical implication for travellers crossing between Singapore and Malaysia: always check both countries' official announcements rather than assuming the dates match.

Hari Raya 2027 — What to Expect

Looking ahead to 2027, Islamic holidays will shift approximately 10–11 days earlier due to the lunar calendar being shorter than the solar year.

In 2027, Hari Raya Puasa is expected around 9 March (Tuesday) — workers in Singapore and Malaysia who take Monday 8 March off will get a 5-day break (Saturday 6 March through Wednesday 11 March). Hari Raya Haji is expected around 16 May (Sunday), creating a natural Monday holiday in lieu. These are tentative projections — confirm with MUIS and JAKIM announcements closer to the date.

Hari Raya Traditions in Singapore & Malaysia

Hari Raya is far more than a public holiday — it is a deeply meaningful cultural and religious event that shapes the rhythm of life in Singapore and Malaysia for weeks surrounding the celebration. Here are the key traditions you will encounter.

Open Houses (Rumah Terbuka)

One of the most beloved aspects of Hari Raya in Singapore and Malaysia is the open house tradition, where Muslim families invite friends, neighbours, and colleagues of all races and religions to visit their homes and share in the celebration. Open houses typically take place over the first two to three weeks of Syawal (the month following Ramadan). Even the Prime Ministers of both countries host official open houses attended by thousands of guests. It is customary to bring a small gift — usually kuih (traditional cakes) or biscuits — when visiting an open house.

Traditional Dress — Baju Melayu & Baju Kurung

Hari Raya is the time when traditional Malay attire takes centre stage. Men typically wear baju Melayu — a two-piece outfit consisting of a long-sleeved shirt and loose trousers, often paired with a sampin (a short sarong wrapped around the waist) and a songkok (traditional cap). Women wear baju kurung (a loose tunic over a long skirt) or baju kebaya (a more fitted blouse). Matching family outfits (baju sedondon) are a popular trend, and Geylang Serai in Singapore and Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur are famous shopping destinations for festive attire in the weeks before Raya.

Green Packets — Duit Raya

Analogous to the red packets (ang pow) of Chinese New Year, Hari Raya features the giving of green packets (duit raya) containing money. Elders give duit raya to children and younger family members as a gesture of blessings and generosity. Banks in Singapore and Malaysia typically release commemorative Hari Raya note packets in the weeks leading up to the celebration, and these often feature local batik or floral designs that become collector's items.

Balik Kampung — Returning Home

Balik kampung (literally "return to village") is the mass movement of people from cities to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya with extended family. This is particularly pronounced in Malaysia, where millions of urban workers in KL, Petaling Jaya, and other major cities travel to Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor, Perak, and other home states. In Singapore, balik kampung manifests as Singaporeans crossing the Causeway into Malaysia to visit relatives, and as families gathering across the island in heartland HDB flats and landed homes.

Festive Food — Ketupat, Rendang & Lemang

No Hari Raya is complete without its iconic spread of festive food. Ketupat (compressed rice cooked in woven palm leaf pouches) is the centrepiece of the Hari Raya table, typically served alongside rich, slow-cooked rendang (a spiced coconut milk beef or chicken dish) and lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo). Other popular Hari Raya treats include serunding (dried meat floss), lontong (rice cakes in coconut milk curry), and an array of kuih including kuih bangkit, love letters, and pineapple tarts.