By The Eye desk · Last verified 7 October 2026
Festive house visits in Singapore follow a few warm, simple customs. At Chinese New Year, it is customary to offer the host a pair of mandarin oranges and receive another pair in return; the oranges’ name sounds like “luck in abundance”, and married hosts give red packets (ang bao) to children and unmarried guests. At Hari Raya Puasa, visits run through the whole month of Syawal; greet and seek forgiveness from elders first, and children receive small green packets. At Deepavali, homes are lit with oil lamps and decorated with kolam, and a box of sweets makes a lovely gift. Everywhere: remove your shoes, greet the eldest first, and never arrive empty-handed. Deepavali falls on Sunday 8 November 2026.
Being invited into someone’s home at a festival is a real honour. These small gestures tell your hosts you understand that, and they make the visit a joy for everyone.
Quick facts
- Chinese New Year: bring mandarin oranges in pairs; the host returns a pair.
- Arriving empty-handed at Chinese New Year is considered rude, according to the National Library Board.
- Hari Raya Puasa visiting lasts through the month of Syawal: parents and parents-in-law first, then other elders, then relatives and friends.
- Children receive green packets of money at Hari Raya and red packets at Chinese New Year.
- Deepavali homes light diyas (oil lamps) at the door and lay kolam patterns in coloured rice powder.
- Next dates (Ministry of Manpower): Deepavali 8 November 2026; Chinese New Year 6 to 7 February 2027; Hari Raya Puasa 10 March 2027.
Festival by festival
| Festival | Good gift | Greeting and custom | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese New Year | A pair of mandarin oranges, often with festive goodies such as pineapple tarts | Hand the oranges to the host with both hands and a New Year greeting | Many families do not sweep or wash on the first day; some avoid visiting on the third day |
| Hari Raya Puasa | Halal-certified cookies, cakes or treats | Younger family members may kiss elders’ hands to seek forgiveness and blessings | Do not bring alcohol or non-halal food; dress modestly |
| Deepavali | A box of Indian sweets (mithai) or fruit | Admire the kolam at the door and step round it | Some hosts are vegetarian; bring sweets or fruit rather than meat dishes |
The mandarin orange exchange, step by step
- Buy oranges in even numbers; bring at least one pair per household you visit, plus a few spare pairs.
- At the door, offer a pair to the host or eldest person, using both hands, with a greeting such as “Gong xi fa cai”.
- The host will give you a pair back, often as you leave. Accept with both hands and thanks.
- If you are married, prepare red packets for the children and unmarried relatives you will meet.
- Bring a bag for the oranges you collect; after a few visits, you will have plenty.
Etiquette that works at every festival
- Shoes off: look for a pile of shoes at the door and add yours.
- Eldest first: greet grandparents and senior relatives before anyone else.
- Accept food: take at least a little of what is offered; it is part of the welcome.
- Dress festively and modestly: bright colours suit all three festivals.
- Keep visits short at busy times: hosts may be receiving many guests in a day.
- Ask if unsure: a friendly question about a custom is always better than a guess.
The WahLiao Verdict
Bring something, greet the eldest first, take your shoes off and say yes to the food. For Chinese New Year, that means a pair of oranges and red packets if you are married; for Hari Raya, halal treats and respect for the elders; for Deepavali, a box of sweets and a kind word about the kolam. Your hosts will remember the warmth far longer than the gift.
Questions people ask
Why are mandarin oranges given in pairs?
The custom is to offer the host a pair and receive a pair in return, so good wishes travel both ways. The fruit’s Chinese name sounds like “luck in abundance”, and in Cantonese it resembles the word for gold.
Who gives red packets?
Married people, whatever their age, give red packets to children and unmarried relatives. Single guests usually receive rather than give.
When can I visit for Hari Raya?
Celebrations run through the month of Syawal, so visits continue for weeks after Hari Raya Puasa itself. Families visit parents and elders first, so friends often visit later in the month.
Should I bring a gift for Deepavali?
Yes, a small one is appreciated. Indian sweets or fruit are safe choices; ask your host if they keep a vegetarian home before bringing anything savoury.
Sources: National Heritage Board, Roots, Chinese New Year practices; National Library Board, Infopedia, Chinese New Year customs; National Heritage Board, Roots, Hari Raya Puasa; National Heritage Board, Roots, Deepavali; Ministry of Manpower, public holidays 2026 and 2027. The Eye explains; it does not endorse.
Read next: Ang Bao Rates: How Much to Give at Weddings and Chinese New Year · Festive Dress in Singapore: Cheongsam, Baju Kurung and Saree, to Buy or Rent · Back to The Eye
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