Festivals/Celebrations

Geisha spectacle in Japan’s Kyoto celebrates arrival of spring

Geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) take part in a rehearsal for the annual "Miyako Odori" -- which means "capital city dance" in Japanese, at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo in Kyoto on March 31, 2026. Against a backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms, a group of geishas elegantly shuffle onto a stage in Japan's Kyoto city to begin a centuries-old performance celebrating the arrival of spring.
Dressed in sky blue kimonos emblazoned with flowers, the dancers twist and twirl in unison in front of hundreds of spectators eager to see the annual "Miyako Odori" in the nation's spectacular ancient capital. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)

NEA urges responsible burning during Qing Ming after fires break out at Bukit Brown Cemetery

The National Environment Agency said the fires at Bukit Batok cemeteries were likely started by unattended joss stick or joss paper burning.

Pope Leo celebrates first Easter amid Middle East war

On March 31, Pope Leo said he hoped that US President Donald Trump was "looking for an off-ramp" to end the Iran war.

Food Picks

Korean Craft Collective: Festival for South Korean craft brews and food at New Bahru

Yangnyeom Chicken Burger (left) is one of the food items Odem will be selling the Korean Craft Collective festival. Byeolsan Yuja created by Yangjudoga Brewery will be available for sale at the Korean Craft Collective..

Chingay@Heartlands to make last stop in Punggol on March 29

Residents waving as the Chingay Parade 2026 floats embark on a tour around Sembawang on Mar 15, 2026.

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

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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.