Today is the 1st day of the Hungry Ghosts Festival . Everywhere , people are burning offerings to the spirits that have been released from the gates of hell . It is a familiar sight that Singapore beholds and if one were to step into Singapore at that time of the year , the smell and sight of these would leave a memory is the minds of such tourists . For me , it is the time of the year when it is important to try and reach home before dark . According to the elders , the yin energy will increase drastically especially after dark . To me , it is better to be safe than sound . After all , not very nice to invite 'friends' home . The way that singaporeans celebrate the hungry ghosts festivals is one is a sight that is familiar to behold and one that i am unlikely to forget no matter where I am .