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Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth
Parliamentary Matters

Naming of festivals and forms of greeting

Sectors

Community

6 March 2026

Response to parliamentary question on MCCY’s approach to feedback on naming of festivals and forms of greeting.

1210. Ms He Ting Ru: To ask the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether agencies under the Ministry have received feedback or questions from the community about the naming of festivals and use of greetings such as (i) Chinese New Year vs Lunar New Year (ii) the use of “Seasons’ Greetings” (iii) Hari Raya vs Eid and (iv) Deepavali vs Diwali; and (b) if so, what is the approach to such feedback.

Response:

  1. We receive such feedback occasionally.

  2. The names of our public holidays are well-established and understood.

  3. Nonetheless, some in the community do choose to use different terms, depending on the purpose, context and audience. We encourage all to make such greetings in the spirit of respect and inclusivity.


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