Hungry Ghost Month: Food offerings, joss sticks & burning not allowed along HDB corridors & staircases

The 7th Lunar Month - commonly known as the Hungry Ghost Festival (中元节 - Zhong Yuan Jie) - is an important cultural and religious observance in Singapore. During this month, Taoists and Buddhists believe that the gates of the underworld open, allowing spirits to roam the physical realm to visit living descendants and seek food and respite.

In 2026, the 7th Lunar Month begins on 13th August (1st lunar day). The mid-month Hungry Ghost ‘peak day’ falls on the 27 August (15th lunar day). The end of falls on the 10 September (30th lunar day).

Across Singapore’s heartlands, several key practices and community events take place throughout the month. Families will set up ritual offerings of food (roasted pork, fruits, rice) and burn hell bank notes along with paper paraphernalia (cars, houses, designer items) to provide comfort to spirits and ancestors.

Live stage ‘Getai’ shows featuring energetic music, comedy, and traditional opera are set up in housing estates and temples. A notable rule: the first row of red chairs is always reserved for the spirits and must be left empty.

Clan associations, merchant groups, and estate committees will often host banquets and auctions of auspicious items to raise funds and build community spirit.

Traditional beliefs advise against staying out late, swimming at night, stepping on roadside offerings, or moving into a new home during this period.

To balance religious practices with estate cleanliness, public safety, and neighborly harmony, HDB, Town Councils, and the Alliance for Action (AfA) on Norms for Joss Paper Burning outline specific rules for residents.

Food Offerings & Joss Sticks

Placing food offerings and joss sticks outside your HDB flat’s doors and corridors are not allowed. This is still common to see in HDB blocks with Chinese elderly.

Common corridors, staircases, and landing areas are primary emergency evacuation routes. Placing offering tables, joss stick holders, or food trays outside your unit door or along the corridor causes obstruction, tripping hazards, and potential fire hazards.

Any kind of offerings should be placed on elevated, stable trays or tables at designated ground-level spaces. Devotees are urged to clear away food offerings and candle stubs after prayers to prevent pest attraction and littering.

Sticking joss sticks in grass not allowed

Most commonly you’ll see a line of joss sticks along the concrete pavement vs grass turfs. Guess what? It’s actually not allowed.

Sticking joss sticks and candles directly into grass turf or lining them along footpaths destroys landscaping, leaves wax stains, and creates hazards for pedestrians and town council cleaners.

Cannot burn joss paper outside HDB flat or corridors

This is strictly prohibited. Burning joss paper outside your HDB flat door, along common corridors, or on staircase landings - even in small personal steel urns - violates fire safety regulations. Smoke and flying ash drift directly into neighboring units, damaging property and creating severe respiratory and fire hazards.

Burning must be done exclusively at ground level using designated Town Council incineration bins or eco-friendly burners provided throughout the estate.

How to report my neighbour?

No, you are not a snitch. It is for everyone’s fire safety and health. If you encounter unsafe practices - such as your neighbour open burning along common corridors or unattended fires - there are official avenues to make a report.

1. OneService App / LifeSG App: Submit photos and location details directly via the OneService App (under the “Cleanliness” or “Neighbourhood” category) or the LifeSG App. The case will automatically route to the relevant Town Council or agency.
2. Call Town Council: Contact your local Town Council office to report persistent corridor obstructions or illegal burning inside common areas.
3. Emergency (SCDF): If an active fire poses an immediate danger to life or property, call 995 immediately.

Back to top