SINGAPORE — For the first time, this year’s Hari Raya celebration at Geylang Serai will not only be a dazzling display of lights and decorations, but also a month-long series of cultural events, performances, exhibitions and games.

These include screenings of black-and-white movies from the 1960s, a cultural discovery race and lessons on how to play traditional Malay musical instruments.

Ahead of the launch of the annual celebrations next Friday, the first Hari Raya Light Up 2014 committee said it focused on the cultural aspect of the celebrations this year to help the public learn more about the rich Malay culture.

“If you think about it, it’s the deeper understanding that’s critical in why we celebrate. The events, are surely important, but beyond all the lights and decorations, it’s actually the social and deeper cultural meanings behind them,” said Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister for Manpower and Adviser to Marine Parade GROs (Kembangan-Chai Chee Division), at the media briefing yesterday. “It’s an occasion to strengthen bonds and establish that familiarity with one another.”

Besides the familiar sight of bazaars lining the streets of Geylang Serai, a new fair with various events will be introduced, featuring themes such as religious significance, historical roots and culture.

One of the events is the Geylang Serai Habuan and Iftar for Needy Residents (Geylang Serai Goodie Bag and Breaking of Fast for Needy Residents), to be attended by about 200 residents from low-income families, who will receive a token sum and groceries, a move that aims to spread the “gotong royong” spirit, or the spirit of working together for the good of the community.

The public will also get to play traditional Malay games such as chapteh, goli (marbles), batu seremban (five stones) and sepak takraw.

This year’s light-up also promises to be bigger, stretching across 1.3km to cover Changi Road, Geylang Road and Sims Avenue, right up to City Plaza.

For more information and updates on the events and activities, the public can visit https://www.facebook.com/HariRayaLightUp.