Come on down to Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) this coming weekend 13th and 14th April 2024, soak in the festive atmosphere of Indian New Year and experience the warmth of Indian hospitality at IHC Indian New Year Open House 2024! Celebrated by various Indian sub-communities in Singapore, the Indian New Year traditionally symbolises a fresh beginning with the start of the new agricultural cycle.
IHC Indian New Year Open House 2024
IHC Indian New Year Open House will take place on 13th and 14th April 2024, and it will feature the theme “Hospitality”. There is an exciting line-up of immersive dinning experiences, craft workshops and performances that warmly invite visitors to experience the traditions and practices of the Indian New Year.
For the Indian New Year celebrations in Singapore, it 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.
At IHC’s Indian New Year Open House, they will showcase a selection of these traditions that shape the warm and vibrant atmosphere of Indian New Year celebrations in Singapore.
Exciting line-up of programmes at IHC Indian New Year Open House 2024
There is an exciting line-up of programmes at IHC Indian New Year Open House 2024. There is the Signature Banana Leaf Meal Etiquette Workshop that allows visitors to delve into South Indian customs and traditions. Visitors can also step into the intricate wold of pichwai paintings with the Pichwai Art of Plates – Painting Workshop, which pays homage to the traditional art form that originated more than 400 years ago.
There is also the Malayalee Sadya Meal Experience, a gastronomic workshop that explores the significance of the dishes in the traditional Sadya vegetarian meal that is typically reserved for special occasions. Visitors an immerse in the culture and traditions of the Malayalee community through this workshop.
The Kerala Mural Art Masterclass, led by renowned Kerala mural artist Manikandan Punnakkal, visitors can learn the techniques and secrets behind the ancient craft of Kerala mural art. These programmes complement IHC’s latest special exhibition, Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore, which is ongoing until 15th September 2024.
Other programmes include complimentary lobby craft activities, live performances, as well as free henna drawings and snacks. For selected programmes, registration is required.
When you are visiting IHC Indian New Year Open House 2024, do visit Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore special exhibition and learn more about the rich heritage of the Malayaless community. There are free guided tours at 3pm every Wednesday and Friday, as well as 11am on every second and last Saturday of the month.
Highlight – Signature Banana Leaf Rice Etiquette Workshop
One highlight of IHC Indian New Year Open House 2024 is this Signature Banana Leaf Rice Etiquette Workshop. Not only will you get to taste delicious food, this is going to be an awesome South Indian food, customs, traditions and culture learning experience for you!
This workshop will demonstrate the proper techniques of enjoying a sumptuous banana leaf meal, and they will reveal the significance behind each dish in this important celebratory tradition. At the media preview, I learned so much more about the customs and traditions while enjoying my Banana Leaf Rice.
Although this wasn’t my first time eating Banana Leaf rice, I didn’t know that there are proper techniques to enjoy, eating sequence etc. On top of those new learning experiences, one thing stood out, it was the warmth of Indian hospitality. That was priceless, making it so much more meaningful, heart warming and wonderful.
IHC Indian New Year Open House 2024 List of Programmes
Free programmes
Free drop-in craft activities
- Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, L1 Lobby
- Date: 13 & 14 April
- Time: 10am – 5pm
- Admission fee: Free
Free Henna
Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, L1 Lobby
- Date: 13 & 14 April
- Time: 12.30pm – 2pm
- Admission fee: Free
Live Outdoor Performances
- Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, Facade
- Date: 13 & 14 April
- Time: 10.30am – 12.00pm
Free Vadai and Chai
- Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, L1 Lobby
- Date: 13 & 14 April
- Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Ticketed programmes
Signature Banana Leaf Rice Etiquette Workshop
- Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, L2 Activity Room
- Date: 14 April
- Time: 11.30am – 1pm
- Admission fee: $25
- Register at https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com
Malayalee Sadya Meal Experience
- Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, L2 Activity Room
- Date: 13 April
- Time:
- ● 11am – 12.30pm
- ● 3pm – 4.30pm
- Admission fee: $25
- Register at https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com
Kerala Mural Art Masterclass
- Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, L2 Seminar Room (IHC Office)
- Date: 13 & 14 April
- Time: 3pm – 5pm
- Admission fee: $15
- Register at https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com
Pichwai Art on Plates – Painting Workshop
- Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, L2 Activity Room
- Date: 14 April
- Time: 2pm – 4pm
- Admission fee: $10
- Register at https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com
For more information on IHC Indian New Year Open House 2024
If you like to know more information about Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) programmes, updates and on IHC Indian New Year Open House 2024, please visit http://indianheritage.org.sg or IHC’s Facebook and Instagram page.