With roots in Buddhism, the Hungry Ghost Festival is a time of honouring ancestors and appeasing the ’hungry’ ghosts that wander the world of the living when the ‘Gates of Hell’ are opened once a year.

It is believed that these Gates of Hell are opened once a year during the Hungry Ghost Month and all the lost and hungry ghosts of hell are free to roam the living world. To appease these lost souls and to prevent them from causing the living harm, people put food out for the ghosts to enjoy. Elaborate ceremonies and rituals are also performed to please the ghosts.

Activities such as swimming and travelling are avoided as it is considered dangerous in case a wayward ghost were to cause an accident. Likewise, getting married or moving house is avoided during this period as it is considered bad luck. 

When is the Hungry Ghost Festival in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017?