Singapore takes pride in its rich tapestry of culture and heritage. However, discussions surrounding death and funeral practices often remain underexplored, leaving a gap in cross-cultural understanding.
Whether it’s the existential fear of loss or a general unease with the topic, many find discussions about death uncomfortable.
Yet, few would argue against the importance of funerals as a final chance to honour and say goodbye to loved ones who have completed their journey.
This year, My Community Festival (MCF) seeks to address this challenging subject head-on, offering over 100 events and tours to explore the diverse end-of-life traditions and practices across Singapore.
Image courtesy of My Community Festival
Now in its fifth edition, MCF 2024, themed “My Last Journey,” will run from 1 to 17 Nov. Here’s what you can expect.
The festival will kick off at Kreta Ayer Square, with an exhibition showcasing funeral practices across five major religions in Singapore.
By highlighting the customs of Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, and Christian communities, the event aims to foster inclusivity and understanding.
Artefacts on display, contributed by local funeral service providers, tell stories that go beyond life and death.
Image courtesy of My Community Festival
These meticulously crafted items reflect a person’s life journey — their age, marital status, dialect group — and the sentiments with which loved ones bid them farewell.
For many of the artisans involved, this event marks the first time they’ll share their expertise publicly, offering a rare glimpse into decades of experience in afterlife services.
Participants can even try their hand at decorating a Hindu hearse or engage in conversations about end-of-life planning with grief organisers.
Source: My Community Festival
Most of us are familiar with the white tents set up at void decks, but that’s just one of many funeral traditions practised in Singapore.
Through the “My Prayers and Practices” segment, MCF 2024 will highlight how, despite varied beliefs, every culture strives to send off their loved ones with dignity and respect.
Image courtesy of My Community Festival
For instance, Muslim funerals are typically swift, with burial often taking place on the same day as death, a process not widely understood by those outside the religion.
Masjid Pusara Aman, the only mosque in Singapore with a licensed funeral parlour, will participate in MCF 2024 to offer insights into these rites, demonstrating the careful preparation of the body for burial within 24 hours.
Source: My Community Festival
The event will also introduce lesser-known practices from minority religions.
For example, Jainism views time as an endless cycle. During a two-hour tour at the Singapore Jain Religious Society, Rajesh Shah will explain how enlightenment is achieved through these repeated cycles.
Image courtesy of My Community Festival
Additionally, there will be a rare opportunity to visit a usually restricted Jewish cemetery, where participants can learn about influential historical figures like David Marshall and Jacob Ballas.
Special interactive segments will shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked professionals in this field.
One such segment, “Wind Beneath My Wings”, will introduce visitors to the individuals who guide others through the grief of loss.
For paediatric and perinatal palliative care teams at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), delivering difficult news to parents is a regular part of their role.
During MCF 2024, visitors can meet these professionals and gain insights into the emotional challenges of supporting families through unimaginable grief.
The festival also acknowledges that end-of-life care isn’t limited to humans.
Sanctuary Pet Cremation, a trusted provider of pet funeral services, will offer a tour of its facilities.
Image courtesy of My Community Festival
Visitors will learn about the thoughtful process of giving our furry friends a dignified send-off, recognising them as cherished family members.
Beyond honouring those we’ve lost, MCF 2024 also provides a chance to reconnect with our heritage.
Every tombstone tells a story, and each cemetery serves as a window into Singapore’s past, revealing the histories that have shaped our diverse culture.
Image courtesy of My Community Festival
The segment “Find My Ah Gong” includes guided tours of twelve cemeteries across Singapore, each with its own unique history, beautiful architecture, and even famous residents.
From the well-known Bukit Brown Cemetery to lesser-known but carefully preserved sites like Kubor Boyan, each visit promises to be a memorable journey into the past.
Source: My Community Festival
Participants will also have the opportunity to explore Masjid Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim and the Royal Johor Mausoleum.
Source: My Community Festival
These sites, still standing proudly in Telok Blangah, reflect the enduring historical ties between Singapore and Johor.
Housing the graves of the Johor royal family and their followers, these locations are a testament to the shared heritage that continues to shape the nation’s story.
Spanning over two weeks, the events described here are just a glimpse of what MCF 2024 has to offer.
As Kwek Li Yong, Executive Director of My Community, said: “Last rites are some of the most important cultural and religious customs that we practise for our loved ones.
“This year’s festival is an opportunity like no other to understand and appreciate these traditions that are part of our daily lives; and in doing so understand more about life.”
Tickets are on sale now, and you can find out more about the various tours and workshops on the festival’s official website.
Stay updated by following My Community on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
This article was brought to you in collaboration with My Community.
Featured image courtesy of My Community Festival and adapted from My Community Festival and My Community Festival.
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