Avoid 13 peak days at cemeteries, columbaria during Qing Ming

Those planning to pay their respects at cemeteries and columbaria this Qing Ming season should avoid visiting on peak days if possible.

- Christie Chiu

Large crowds are expected on 13 key dates, including Hari Raya Puasa (March 31) and the Good Friday weekend (April 18 to 20), the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in an advisory on Feb 25.

The peak dates are:

• March 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31

• April 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20

As Qing Ming is an important period of remembrance for the Chinese, all government-managed cemeteries and columbaria – Choa Chu Kang, Mandai and Yishun columbaria – will be open 24 hours from March 22 to April 20, said NEA.

But the Garden of Peace, a memorial park in Choa Chu Kang Cemetery, will be closed to visitors on the 13 peak days. This is to give privacy to the next of kin who have successfully applied to scatter ashes in the park during this period.

The agency also advised people to plan visits in advance, and to check the detailed advisories for each location on the NEA website.