Hungry Ghost Festival falls on the 7th month of the Chinese Lunar Year and is celebrated mainly in China and other countries like Singapore and Malaysia. It is the eastern counterpart of the Halloween. During this month the gates of hell are opened and hungry ghosts roam the earth in search for food. The festival is acknowledged by Buddhists and Taoists who will offer food which they will place on roadsides, and under the trees. Bundles of joss-sticks, paper hell money (paper money notes) and even paper TV sets, cars, household sets and alike are burnt to appease the spirits from entering their home and disturb their household as well as to help their relative to have a comfortable living.

Another belief is that the dead return to visit their relatives. It is assumed that by satisfying their hunger one will be awarded good fortune and luck. The religious practices consists of prayers and burning of paper offerings. Besides entertaining wayang shows and concerts are performed outdoors to please the wondering ghosts. The ghost must be entertained and satisfied.

During this month it is advised not to go swimming for the ghosts my cause you to drown. Children and young toddlers are kept from going out in the evening from fear that the roaming spirits my posses them and bring them to hell. Having a wedding or moving to another house is believed to be a bad luck.