Soak in the festive atmosphere of the Indian New Year at the Indian Heritage Centre’s (IHC) Indian New Year Open House! Celebrated by various Indian sub-communities in Singapore, the Indian New Year traditionally symbolises a fresh beginning with the start of the agricultural cycle.
This year, the Open House will take place on 13 and 14 April 2024, and will feature the theme “hospitality” with an exciting line-up of immersive dining experiences, craft workshops and performances that warmly invite visitors to experience the traditions and practices of the Indian New Year.
In Singapore, the Indian New Year is observed by various Indian sub-communities, each with its own rich traditions and cultural practices. For example, Tamil families celebrate Puthandu; the Sikh community observes Vesakhi; while the Malayalee, Telugu, and Bengali communities observe Vishu, Ugadi and Poila Baishakh respectively.
IHC’s Indian New Year Open House will showcase a selection of these traditions that shape the warm and vibrant atmosphere of Indian New Year celebrations in Singapore.
Delve into South Indian customs and traditions at the Signature Banana Leaf Meal Etiquette Workshop, which will demonstrate the proper techniques of enjoying a sumptuous banana leaf meal and reveal the significance behind each dish in this important celebratory tradition.
Visitors can also step into the intricate world of pichwai paintings with the Pichwai Art on Plates – Painting Workshop, which pays homage to the traditional art form that originated more than 400 years ago.
Immerse in culture and traditions of the Malayalee community with the Malayalee Sadya Meal Experience, a gastronomic workshop which explores the significance of the dishes in the traditional Sadya vegetarian meal that is typically reserved for special occasions.
Visitors can also learn the techniques and secrets behind the ancient craft of Kerala mural art with the Kerala Mural Art Masterclass, led by renowned Kerala mural artist Manikandan Punnakkal.
These programmes complement IHC’s latest special exhibition, Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore, which is ongoing until 15 September 2024.
Other programmes include complimentary lobby craft activities, live performances, as well as free henna drawings and snacks.
Registration is required for selected programmes at https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com.
To learn more about the rich heritage of the Malayalee community, visitors to the IHC can alsojoin free guided tours of the Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore special exhibition at 3pm every Wednesday and Friday; as well as 11am on every second and last Saturday of the month.
Admission to IHC is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.
For more information, visit http://indianheritage.org.sg or IHC’s Facebook and Instagram page.
