New Year, Treasured Traditions: Culture-Fest At The Indian Heritage Centre

The Indian New Year (which usually commences around March to April) is embraced yearly by diverse Indian sub-communities. It traditionally marks a clean slate coinciding with the beginning of the agricultural cycle.

This year, it falls on 9 Apr, and each Indian sub-community in our Lion City honours it with different names and traditions. For instance, Tamil households refer to it as Puthandu; Sikhs commemorate it as Vesakhi; and Malayalee, Telugu, and Bengali communities observe Vishu, Ugadi, and Poila Baishakh, respectively.

This weekend (13 and 14 Apr 2024), immerse yourself in the rich traditions and customs of the Indian New Year by registering for Indian Heritage Centre’s (IHC's) Indian New Year Open House. This year’s Open House will revolve around the theme of "hospitality”, and there’s no better way to experience it than by participating in an enticing array of inviting dining adventures, craft workshops and captivating performances.

Check out our picks from the array of festivities at this year's Indian New Year Open House:

FOOD

IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE

Banana leaf rice etiquette workshop

Embark on a culinary journey into the heart of South Indian dining at IHC’s ticketed banana leaf rice etiquette workshop. Learn the dos and don'ts as you're guided through hand-washing rituals, the significance of each dish on the banana leaf, and proper meal enjoyment practices.

14 Apr, 11.30am to1pm
Find out more here

IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE

Malayalee Sadya meal workshop

Indulge in the rich flavours of Malayalee cuisine with a delectable Sadya meal workshop, showcasing a traditional vegetarian spread. It'll truly be a gastronomic trip as you navigate through 20 to 30 dishes and gain valuable insights into the cultural significance of each delicacy.

13 Apr, 11am to 2.30pm and 3pm to 4.30pm
Find out more here

IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE

Vadai and chai

Can't make it for the ticketed meal workshops? Fret not, because you can still munch on complimentary vadai (savoury fried snacks) and chai (spiced tea) on both days of the Open House from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

CRAFT ACTIVITIES

IMAGES: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE

FOC craft activities

The great Spanish painter and sculptor Pable Picasso once said: "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." Unleash your artistic side and let your imagination soar with engaging workshops on kolam (decorative art) badge making and thoranam (hanging decorations).

13 and 14 Apr, 10am to 5pm
Find out more here

IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE

Kerala mural painting

Discover the ancient art of Kerala mural painting in a hands-on painting session led by acclaimed visiting artist Manikandan Punnakkal. Learn how to use traditional techniques, create intricate details, and depict mythological themes on your own canvas, which you get to bring home.

13 and 14 Apr, 3pm to 5pm
Find out more here

PERFORMANCES

IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE

Complimentary dance performances

What's a celebration without joyful music and dance? Various groups will be showcasing their unique dance techniques in vibrant traditional outfits that are guaranteed to dazzle and enliven the entrance of IHC.

13 and 14 Apr, 12.30pm to 2pm
Find out more here

Special exhibition: Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore

The IHC and members of Singapore’s Malayalee community have collaborated to bring us a special exhibition, “Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore”, which allows us to journey through the vibrant history and heritage of the Mayalees in Singapore. Explore the cultural heritage of the second largest Indian sub-community within Singapore represented in four distinct zones within the exhibition.

Till 15 Sep 2024
Find out more here

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