Racial Harmony Day

Racial Harmony Day
A Deepavali celebration in Singapore organised by a community centre where different races are invited.
Observed bySingapore
TypeSecular
SignificanceCommemorates the 1964 racial riots
Date21 July
Next time21 July 2025 (2025-07-21)
FrequencyAnnually

Racial Harmony Day is a day in Singapore to promote racial and ethnic harmony within the nation. It is observed on 21 July every year, with most activities organised by schools and grassroot organisations, including religious groups.[1]

History

First launched in 1997 by the Ministry of Education in schools, the event commemorates the 1964 race riots which took place on 21 July 1964 when Singapore was still part of Malaysia (1963–1965) – 22 people lost their lives and hundreds were severely injured. There were numerous other communal riots and incidents throughout the 50s and 60s leading to and after Singapore's independence in August 1965.[2]

Racial Harmony Day has since expanded its reach. Today, grassroots organisations such as the People’s Association and the Community Development Councils are also involved.[3]

Schools

On this day, students in schools across the nation are encouraged to be dressed in other cultures' traditional costumes such as the Cheongsam, the Baju Kurung, and Saree.[4] Traditional delicacies are a feature of the celebration. Traditional games such as five stones, zero points, and hopscotch are played, where inter-class competitions are sometimes organised.[5] Some activities introduced by schools include designing Kolams and Maruthani and Henna hand painting. Students are also educated on racism and racial stereotypes.[6][2]

Declaration

Main article: Declaration of Religious Harmony

Schools are also encouraged to recite a Declaration of Religious Harmony during the celebrations. In the week of 21 July, representatives from the Inter-Religious Harmony Circle (IRHC) comprising various religious groups also get together to pledge their support and to promote the Declaration.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ Lim, Audra (24 July 2001). "Ethnic groups gear up for racial harmony week". TODAY. p. 24. Retrieved 18 July 2024 – via NewspaperSG.
  2. ^ a b "Small spark can create big mess". The Straits Times. 23 July 1997. p. 42. Retrieved 18 July 2024 – via NewspaperSG.
  3. ^ Han, Jamie; Loh, Pei Ying. "Racial Harmony Day". Singapore Infopedia. Retrieved 10 April 2018.
  4. ^ "'Hi, your flowers match my baju ...'". The Straits Times. 22 July 1997. p. 1. Retrieved 18 July 2024 – via NewspaperSG.
  5. ^ "Schools mark occasion with cross-cultural events". The Straits Times. 22 July 1997. p. 38. Retrieved 18 July 2024 – via NewspaperSG.
  6. ^ Rahim, Nisha (21 July 2022). "Students discuss racism and racial stereotypes to mark Racial Harmony Day". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  7. ^ NN, Soorya Kiran (24 July 2017). "Harmony Games: Minister stresses on religious harmony in Singapore". International Business Times, Singapore Edition. Retrieved 17 August 2018.
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