For this year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri will be special. For the first time, Muslims will be celebrating it at home, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has seen multiple countries going into lockdown. The many large-scale Ramadan bazaars had to be cancelled, but online bazaars and even mini-bazaars have taken their place.
Geylang Bazaar
The biggest Ramadan bazaar in Singapore, this is where you will be able to find everything from food to clothing, electronics and more. Wisma Geylang Serai is also hosting programmes on their Facebook page.
Gobaza.sg
Other than the experience of Ramadan shopping, Gobaza.sg offers online courses, as well as engaging with the community. With many more planned throughout the year, this platform is helping bazaar merchants to digitalise their products and services.
Bazaar Iftar Online
Featuring a wide range of food vendors, they charge a flat delivery rate of $15 to one address, regardless of number of orders from any number of vendors. A great solution to prepare for the Iftar feast, it only requires orders to be placed at least two days in advance.
Bazaar Ramadhan Singapore 2020
This is just one of the groups that have popped up on Facebook to allow small businesses to hawk their wares online. It has over 50,000 members to date. Navigation takes some getting used to, but the upshot is, you are dealing directly with the seller.
What about… Mini Bazaars?
While it is generally okay to leave home to buy food, do practise safe distancing and good hygiene when heading out. Here are some mini bazaars that are happening right now:
Geylang Serai Market & Food Centre
Since the closure of Malay Village, this has been the go-to market for many Muslims for food, textiles and sundry items. This double-storey market and hawker centre is unique for its Malay kampong design that retains its cultural heritage. The queues can get very long, so do be prepared to wait.
