The Malay CultureFest 2018 is back, it was officially launched on the 12th October 2018 at the Malay Heritage Centre by the Guest of Honour, Mdm Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore. Along with the launch of MalayCultureFest 2018, a special exhibition titled, “Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah” was also launched together on the same day.
Malay CultureFest 2018
This year’s Malay CultureFest 2018 focus on artistic expressions of devotion and faith, found throughout the Nusantara, in conjunction with the special exhibition titled, “Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah”
At the launch of the Malay CultureFest 2018, there was a musical drama performance that tell the stories of pilgrims from the Malay World, congregating together at Kampong Gelam, preparing for their steamship passage to Makkah, followed by the journey to Makkah. During the musical performance, the emotions and feelings of traveling far away for a long of time via steamship to fulfill their Haj pilgrimage, performed by the artistes, can be felt through their excellent singing and musical drama performance.
After the end of the musical performance, Mdm Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, went up to stage, along with distinguished guests to officially declare the opening of the Malay CultureFest 2018 and the special exhibition, “Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah”.
Taking place from 12th October to 28th October 2018 on the weekends, there are a number of activities, including newly commissioned performances, talks and workshops taking place during Malay CultureFest 2018. More information can be found on the Malay Heritage Centre website and Facebook Page.
Special Exhibition: Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah
This special exhibition brings visitors into walk back in time, the days when Singapore was a major and important trading hub and port of call for the region. Kampong Gelam played a significant role in the history of Singapore, as an important port town where Muslims from all over the Malay Archipelago would gather together and prepare for the onward and long journey by steamship to Makkah in the late 19thCentury into the early 1970s.
I took a short and quick tour of this special exhibition after the official launch of the Malay CultureFest 2018, it was a bit of a rush for me to take some photos while understanding the meaning, significance, history and culture behind each artefact on display inside the galleries.
Undangan ke Baituallah, has a Southeast Asia perspective to this annual pilgrimage made by devoted Muslims, a global movement, which for many pilgrims, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime journey of faith and devotion.
The stories shared inside the galleries were touching and heartwarming, gave visitors from other races and religions, a better and more in depth understanding of the Haj pilgrimage that the Muslims undertake, how it had changed from the 19th Century to the modern days.
I would return and visit this special exhibition again and hope to share more insights into this special exhibition, “Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah”
Information and details of Malay CultureFest 2018 and Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah
Website: www.malayheritage.org.sg
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/malayheritage
Instagram:@malayheritage
Email: NHB_MHC@nhb.gov.sg
Address: 85 Sultan Gate Singapore 195801
Telephone: +65 6391 0450
Opening Days and Hours: Tuesady to Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm (Closed on Monday)
Malay CultureFest 2018
Dates: 12th October to 28th October 2018
Undangan ke Baitullah: Pilgrims’ Stories from the Malay World to Makkah / Kisah-kisah Haji dari Alam Melayu ke Makkah
Exhibition Dates: 13th October 2018 to 23rd June 2019
Location: Malay Heritage Centre
Galleries: Galleries 1, 2 and Finale