• The Chinese traditionally make offerings to ghosts every seventh month of the lunar calendar to seek peace and general well-being. This type of activity, which originated from Chinese folk customs, is known as “Hungry Ghost Festival” in Singapore. Activities for the Hungry Ghost Festival are widespread in Singapore because of the significant role played by groups that organise such activities. These groups can be found everywhere in Singapore, and fall into four categories:

1. Groups comprising merchants in shopping malls or neighbourhood centres;
2. Groups comprising stall owners in wet markets or hawker centres;
3. Groups comprising factory workers;
4. Groups comprising residents of housing estates or streets.

It is worth mentioning that not only were the Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple Association and its members involved in organising activities for the Hungry Ghost Festival busy with temple activities, they were also enthusiastic about serving the community and actively participated in activities that promote racial and religious harmony. (Lianhe Wanbao, 25/8/2018)

盂兰盆会 (Taiwan, Hong Kong)

• In groups that organise activities for the Hungry Ghost Festival, there are two persons-incharge, namely the censer master (“炉主”) and the organiser (“头家”). The censer master, who is chosen by throwing moon blocks ( divination blocks) in front of the gods and rotated yearly, is mainly responsible for preparing ritual ceremonies. The organiser, on the other hand, handles matters related to the salvation rituals (“作普渡”), including organising banquets, hiring getai singers and troupes, purchasing and distributing offerings and serving as an emcee in auctions. People who are willing to contribute funds and effort are usually invited to serve as the organiser.