What are the exciting programmes and activities taking place at SYSNMH during Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2024? Let me share more information below:

Prosperity All Year LONG (Supported by local toy designer and artist Ziqi)

• Date: 16 January – 25 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 7pm daily (Last admission at 6:50pm)
• Admission: Free

One of the widely practised and cherished customs by the Chinese community worldwide associated with Chinese Lunar New Year is putting up bright and colourful festive decorations at home and at the workplace to usher in the Lunar New Year. At SYSNMH, they are honouring this cherished tradition by decorating its building and compound with auspicious decorations and plants, as well as its annual lawn installation. When you visit SYSNMH, you can’t miss the big, cute, adorable and colourful Mononoke Dinos! 

Titled “Prosperity All Year LONG”, this year’s lawn installation is a collaboration between SYSNMH and local toy designer and artist Ziqi. This features the designer’s popular character, Dino, reimagined and redesigned in a collaboration with Japanese artist Yasu (EBINEKOYA).

The Monooke Dinos are dressed in auspicious colours, red and orange! They are a modern interpretation of the mythical dragon, and as with dragons, they symbolise success, strength, nobility, abundance and good luck! Moreover, the presence of twin dragons represents a “doubling” of opportunities and good fortune in the year ahead.

Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration 2024 at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Chinese Lunar New Year 2024 falls on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February. Come on down to SYSNMH and enjoy Lunar New Year Celebration festivities! 

Auspicious Lion & Dragon Dance Performance

• Date: 10 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 11am
• Admission: Free

God of Fortune Visit

• Date: 10 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 12am
• Admission: Free

Lunar New Year Admission

• Date: 10  & 11 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 5pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
• Admission: Free

Wan Qing Festival of Spring Open House

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024
• Time: 10am – 7pm
• Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
• Admission: Free admission with some ticketed activities 

Workshops

Dragon’s Beard Candy Making Workshop 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 11.30am
• Admission: $12 per pax

Parent-Child Mythical Creatures Bag Making Workshop (Supported by A2+rt Studio) 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 1pm – 2.30pm 
• Admission: $24 per parent-child pair 

Dragon Lantern Making Workshop (Supported by traditional craftsman, Jimm Wong)

• Date: 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10am – 12.30pm 
• Admission: $18 per pax 

Children Lion Dance Workshop (Supported by Martial House)

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm, 4.30pm – 5.30pm 
• Admission: $12 per pax 

Children Festive Chinese Drums Workshop (Supported by Martial House)

• Date: 18 February 2024 
• Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm, 4.30pm – 5.30pm 
• Admission: $12 per pax 

Purchase tickets for the above workshops via https://wanqingyuan.peatix.com 

Free Activities 

Storytelling Sessions: Tales of Lunar New Year Festival (Supported by Speak Good English Movement and Speak Mandarin Campaign) 

• Date: 17 February 2024 (Mandarin), 18 February 2024 (English) 
• Time: 11.30am – 12.30pm, 2pm – 3pm 
• Admission: Free 

Drop-in Craft Station: Lunar New Year Festival Inspired Crafts (Supported by River Valley High School) 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Drop-in Craft Station: Chinese Calligraphy Try-Out 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Drop-in Activity Station: CNY Mini Games 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Live on the Lawn: Hakka Qilin Dance by Yan Wong Cultural Troupe Singapore 

• Date: 18 February 2024 
• Time: 1.45pm – 2pm 
• Admission: Free 

Live on the Lawn: Lunar New Year Family Fun Contest 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Live on the Lawn: SCO goes to Wan Qing Yuan (In collaboration with Singapore Chinese Orchestra) 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Live on the Lawn: Chinese Wind & Percussion Music by Reverberance (Supported by Reverberance) 

• Date: 18 February 2024 
• Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free 

Festive Snacks, Mandarin Oranges & Tea Tasting 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm 
• Admission: Free, limited quantities available. 

Let’s Celebrate with Uncle Ting: Lunar New Year Activity Kit 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 10am – 7pm 

Guided Tours & Trails

Touring Temples: In Search of Dragons and other Mythical Creatures 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 10am – 1pm 
• Admission: $20 per pax

Balestier Heritage Food Trail 

• Date: 17 February 2024 
• Time: 10.30am – 11.30am 
• Admission: $12 per pax 

Permanent Galleries Guided Tour 

• Date: 17 & 18 February 2024 
• Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm (Mandarin), 3pm – 4pm (English)
• Admission: Free; limited spaces available. 

Purchase tickets for the above workshops via https://wanqingyuan.peatix.com

Festive Giveaway 

Lunar New Year Hongbao Giveaway (Supported by National Heritage Board)

• Date: From 12 January 2024 onwards
• Time: 10am – 5pm (closed on Mondays)

If you are keen to get hold of the limited edition SYSNMH hongbao for free, simply visit the Memorial Hall, follow the SYSNMH Facebook or Instagram page, and verify at the visitor services counter from 12 January 2024 onwards. Limited to the first 50 visitors per day (1 pack per person) and available whilst stocks last! 

Visit https://go.gov.sg/MRHongbao2024 for more information about the MR Lunar New Year Hongbao campaign 2024. 

For more information and updates about Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2024, please visit SYSNMH’s website (https://www.sysnmh.org.sg/en) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sysnmh) throughout the festival period.

Wishing all a Happy Chinese Lunar New Year 2024 in advance! May the Year of the Dragon 2024 be a year of great health, wealth and prosperity for you and your family! 

The post Celebrate Year of Dragon at Wan Qing Festival of Spring 2024! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II has recently been added to my photography setup, with my Canon EOS 1D X Mark II making way for my new camera. Although I missed my Canon EOS 1D X Mark II, the iconic 1D series that I started to build my photography and visual storytelling. 

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is amazing with its fast and accurate AF, high FPS, high ISO level control and quality, excellent sensor and processing engine. While I do miss the battery grip of the 1D series, the overall excellence and quality of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is not making me miss my 1D series as much as I would thought I would be. 

Exploring and Visiting Arts

Exploring and visiting arts around Singapore with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, it had been a great form of artistic enjoyment and therapy, away from my writing, social media and photography work. Igniting my spark on a new wave at i Light Singapore 2023, SYSNMH Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023, following House of VSE Your Neighbour Artist Exhibition around Singapore (and still ongoing), heritage and cultural events Qixi Festival and NHB Racial Harmony Day 2023. 

Exploring my own backyard

The months of June to July 2023 are usually scheduled with NDP 2023 rehearsals taking place on the weekends, allowing us to photograph the NDP 2023 rehearsals action and fireworks taking place around the Marina Bay area. The NDP 2023 rehearsals were an excellent opportunity to put the Canon EOS R6 Mark II to the test.

I was also exploring the new HDB blocks in my neighbourhood, discovering new sky parks and views. Besides that, I was also chasing sunsets and super moon with a super telephoto zoom lens Sigma 150-600mm.  

Of course, getting into outdoors and nature, it had always been a form of therapy and relaxation for me. Sometimes, adding wildlife photography into my outdoors outing and exploration together as well. 

Always on the lookout for value for money 2nd hand camera accessories  

I am always on the lookout for value for money 2nd hand camera accessories and peripherals. Some of them were slowly added over time to build up my setup, while some were replacements for my photography accessories.  

I discovered this brand Wotancraft not too long ago, I admired its quality, as well as how much consideration they placed on the designs and concepts around photographers and travellers. I got myself a Wotancraft Trooper (Medium) as my own birthday gift earlier in Q1 2023.

I had invested in a number of Think Tank products, although I gave away my Shape Shifter version 1, I found a Naked Think Tank Shape Shifter 17 v2.0 at a good price and I quickly grabbed this opportunity. Since I am expanding my Think Tank setup, I have also added more different types of Think Tank pouches along the way. 

Leofoto – A brand that I have also discovered and looking into. They have a great range of quality products for photographers. The first product that I got was the Leofoto MC-50 clamp. Moving forward, I am planning to add a few more products from Leofoto! 

Upcoming visual stories

Here are some of my upcoming visual stories. Do keep a lookout for them, coming soon! 

• Shout Gallery SG x Ceramication Slip-casting workshop: Keen to make your own tea cups, tea pot set? Don’t miss this!
• Canon camera reviews: Working on a few Canon camera review articles, keep a lookout!
• Roastelier by Nescafe – For cafe owners and also those who love coffee, 
• Living Pictures @ National Gallery – Photographers would find this diverse and eye-opener photography exhibition filled with history and iconic visual stories. 

Also coming soon, a special theme/content article on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries, part of my ongoing TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Forget it and move on”

I took a break from social media for a few days, as I was feeling disappointed in something that only very few people will know what happened. 

“Forget it and move on”, an advice that was shared with me. 

Therefore, I will continue with my ongoing work, craft and visual storytelling, seeking progression and improvements in my journey. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

The post TGH Photography Visual Storytelling updates (May to July 2023) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

There are a wide variety of multi-cultural programmes and interracial experiences at NHB’s Heritage Institutions, visitors are invited to participate and immerse themselves in another person’s shoes to understand and appreciate another’s culture, diving deeper into the unique customs and traditions of our diverse communities in Singapore.

Here are some key festival programmes for Let’s Walk – Celebrating Harmony! 

Same Same But Different: A Theatrical Experience for Families 

(Presented by Malay Heritage Centre, supported by The Solitude Movement)

• Dates: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time: 11am to 1pm
• Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall (SYSNMH) and Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) 
• Starting point: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
• Admission: $24 per parent-child pair
• Tickets: https://malayheritagecentre.peatix.com 

A theatre experience conducted in English, ideal and suitable for parents with children aged 5 to 10 years old. 

Same Same But Different is a story about uncovering one’s uniqueness and the beautiful power of friendship. Participants would be brought through a journey of self-discovery, Siti and Yong find out what makes them special. In the process, both of them learnt more about each other, cherishing their friendship with each other even more.

During this interactive and fun storytelling session, participants will get to have hands on at various activities such as creating their own hand mirror, henna art and other activities. Each parent-child pair will also get to visit two Heritage Institutions within the same day, with a one-way bus ride taking them from SYSNMH to IHC. 

On the bus ride from SYSNMH to IHC, there would be an interesting storytelling segment taking place on the bus! Therefore, participants are highly recommended to take public transport, taxis, or private hire vehicles to the starting point. 

Special Programme

Soundscapes of Religions in Singapore (Presented by Dialogue Centre & partners)

• Date: 22nd July 2023
• Time: 10am to 5pm
• Venue: Indian Heritage Centre
• Admission: Free, with a refundable deposit of $10.
• Tickets: Reserve via https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com 

Have you thought of this questions before, “What does religion sound like?”

A special, unique and immersive programme for participants to step into the vibrant and diverse world and sound of religions in Singapore. You can experience the quietude of meditation and encounter a variety of religious sounds such as Christian hymns and Sikh kirtan, and unravel the cultural and religious significance behind these sounds. 

This is a multi-sensory journey to discover what religion truly sounds like and uncover the unity that lies within the diverse symphony of soundscapes of religions in Singapore.

Happenings at Indian Heritage Centre

Here are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy at IHC:

Live Performances at IHC

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time:10am to 5pm

Performers’ Lineup:

22nd July 2023

• 10am Mass Zumba!
• 11am Kids Chinese Dance by We Chinese Dance Tech
• 1130am Bharatanatyam Dance by Soo Mei Fei
• 4pm Malay Cultural Dance by Sri Warisan
• 415pm Multi-ethnic Music Performance by yIN Harmony
• 430pm Dikir Barat by Kelana Purba

23rd July 2023

• 330pm Cultural Performance by Eurasian Association

Harmony Afternoon Tea

• Date: 23rd July 2023
• Time: 11am & 2pm
• Admission: $15 per pax
• Tickets: Purchase via https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com 

Drop-in Craft Station: Perfumed Hanging Shoe Craft

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time:10am to 5pm

Drop-in Activity Station: Ethnic Attire Dress-Up

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time:10am to 5pm

Drop-in Activity Station: Traditional Games & Free Snacks

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time:10am to 5pm

Happenings at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Here are some of the activities that visitors can enjoy at SYSNMH:

Titik Temu – Meeting Point (Presented by Malay Heritage Centre, supported by Kaum Collective)

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• Time: 5pm to 530pm

Titik Temu brings together a collective of Minang Malay body percussionists and traditional Chinese and Indian musicians in this collaboration to create a new repertoire of sound and movement that is Uniquely Singapore. 

Drop-in Craft Station: Decorate your own paper fan

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• TIme: 1030am to 530pm

Drop-In Activity Station: Traditional Games & Free Snacks

• Date: 22nd & 23rd July 2023
• TIme: 1030am to 530pm

Many more exciting and interesting activities 

There are many more exciting and interesting activities taking place during “Let’s Walk – Celebrating Harmony” at NHB Racial Harmony Day Open House 2023. For more information, please visit the websites and social media pages: 

• Indian Heritage Centre: Website | Facebook | Instagram |
• Malay Heritage Centre: Website | Facebook | Instagram |
• Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall: Website | Facebook | Instagram |

A Constant Reminder to Everyone here in Singapore

A personal note from myself, also a constant reminder to everyone here in Singapore. We must not take our peace, stability and harmony for granted. We must not let racial differences divide us, we need to do more, to learn, understand and know more about other religions in Singapore.

“Let’s Walk – Celebrating Harmony”. We all need to put on a different lens, let’s learn to see, learn and know more through this different lens and gain a deeper understanding of Singapore’s multi-cultural roots. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production * 

The post “Let’s Walk – Celebrating Harmony” at NHB Racial Harmony Day Open House 2023 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

This refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail is National Heritage Board (NHB)’s 11th heritage trail that was first launched in 2014. The refreshed edition will expound on the history of Singapore’s “model town”, telling more stories of Toa Payoh’s significant landmarks and locations. Toa Payoh transformed from a swampland, growing into a modern and role model residential housing estate  for Singapore, as well as home to iconic religious and community institutions. 

Refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail 

The refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail covers 29 heritage sites and features 10 heritage markers. There are two new marked sites namely Block 53 a.k.a. “VIP Block”, and the Iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground.

Those two sites join existing marked marked sites such as 

• Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, a National Monument and the oldest Buddhist monastery in Singapore
• Masjid Muhajirin, the first mosque in Singapore to have been built with the support of contributions from the Mosque Building Fund (known as the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF) today) alongside community fundraising
• Toa Payoh Town Park, home to a 25m tall look out tower which was accorded conservation status by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2009
• Four point HDB blocks which housed international athletes as part of the Former 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games Village 

Mr Alvin Tan, Deputy Chief Executive (Policy & Community), NHB, said: “Through the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, we hope to highlight new facets of the town’s history that very few Singaporeans know about, and present a more complete and updated story of Toa Payoh. In doing so, we hope to foster a greater sense of pride and belonging amongst residents, and encourage both residents and non-residents to re-explore Toa Payoh and rediscover the town’s heritage anew.”

The Toa Payoh Heritage Trail also incorporates contributions from the community and presents stories, memories and photographs contributed by former and current residents. Mdm Tang Mei Fong, a resident of Block 53 who contributed to the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, shared her personal memories of Toa Payoh: “I vividly remember the day Queen Elizabeth II visited our block. We all gathered around our doorways to look out for her arrival. I am very proud that a queen visited, and that Toa Payoh is used as a model for Singapore’s public housing that we show to the world.”

Toa Payoh – Forerunner in design

Toa Payoh is a first for a number of things in Singapore, they are the first town designed and developed by HDB, they are the testbed for different architectural design styles and features of public housing, as well as community amenities that can be found in HDB towns today. 

Block 53 “VIP Block”

Completed in 1967, the 19 storey Block 53 not offers a panoramic view of Toa Payoh, they have a viewing gallery on its roof top that played host to many foreign and local dignitaries such as Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, then-Australian Prime Minister John Gorton, and Singapore’s second President Benjamin Sheares. With such a distinguished VIP list of visitors to Block 53, that is how it led to this iconic block being dubbed the “VIP Block”. 

1973 SEAP Games Village – Toa Payoh

More than just a model town, Toa Payoh became the host village for the first major international sporting competition to be held in Singapore – the 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games. Toa Payoh town provided more than just venues for competition and training, they were the location of the 1973 SEAP Games Village, where Toa Payoh Central is today.

With the 1973 SEAP Games Village right in the heart of Toa Payoh, visiting athletes and officials from seven different countries were encouraged to socialise with the locals, providing them with an authentic Singaporean experience. 

There were a total of four HDB point blocks in Toa Payoh Central that were used to house athletes from the seven participating countries. Following the conclusion of the games, units in the blocks were sold to the public fully furnished. 

Iconic Dragon Playground

This is another icon of Toa Payoh, a much-celebrated landmark of  Toa Payoh, the iconic Dragon Playground, with its classic elements of a terrazzo-clad dragon’s head distinguished by bold lines and geometric features. 

This iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground was the creation of HDB architect Mr Khor Ean Ghee. This design proved to be so popular that it led to different versions of the dragon head in various colour schemes appearing in playgrounds across Singapore.    

A Refresh with Fresh Stories

How much do you know about the history of Toa Payoh? With this updated Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, we can know more about the lesser-known stories of the town.

Toa Payoh – A Hub of Manufacturing Activity 

Toa Payoh was a hub of manufacturing activity in the 1960s when Singapore underwent rapid industrialisation, women formed the majority of the pioneer generation of young factory workers. They played a significant tole in the employment and output growth in the labour-intensive manufacturing sector in Singapore. 

National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Welcome Supermarket – 1st NTUC Fairprice Supermarket 

The NTUC Fairprice located at 192 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, gets its landmark status from the first National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Welcome Supermarket in Singapore. It was opened to counter inflation and supplier profiteering. During its opening, the supermarket attracted huge numbers of shoppers upon its opening, and even had to close its doors every 3 to 4 hours to prevent overcrowding.

3 newly curated thematic routes of the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail

There are 3 newly curated thematic routes for you to rediscover Singapore’s history on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail. They are self-guided routes which trail-goes can embark on in their own time, and according to their interests. 

Rediscover Toa Payoh through three thematic routes

• Of Public Housing & Shared Spaces (1.5 hours on foot, 4.5 km) 

Explore architectural development and changes of HDB blocks, communal spaces and town planning over the decades, that reflected the needs and aspirations of Singaporean homeowners. 

• Of Faiths & Beliefs (2 hours with public transport, 6 km)

Explore the various faiths and beliefs in Singapore through the temples, mosques, churches and institutions that represent the diverse communities which live, work, and worshipped in Toa Payoh.

• Of Community Institutions & Common Spaces (0.5 hrs on foot, 1.5 km)

Explore the institutions and spaces that continue to play an active role in the sporting, cultural and social lives of Toa Payoh residents.

Where can I get Toa Payoh Heritage Trail companion guide and map?

If you like to know more about the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, you can download the companion map and guide from NHB’s heritage portal roots.gov.sg. 

There are limited printed copies of the guide and map that will also be available at various locations including the National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Toa Payoh East Community Club, Toa Payoh South Community Club, Toa Payoh Central Community Club, Toa Payoh West Community Club, and NHB headquarters at Stamford Court.

Check out this video of highlights of the Toa Payoh Heritage Trail on YouTube, for more information please visit https://go.gov.sg/toapayohheritagetrail/ 

Rediscover and Explore Singapore’s History and Heritage on Toa Payoh Heritage Trail 

I have previously explored Toa Payoh, starting from my old playgrounds personal visual story telling documentation project, photographing the iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground, as well as the Toa Payoh Baby Dragon Playground and Dinosaur Playground at Kim Keat Avenue, forming part of my OurSGHeritage/Old Places personal visual storytelling, documentation and photography project for the past decade (and still counting).

Thereafter, a few more trips to explore the local neighbourhoods, the iconic VIP Block 53, as well as Block 116, Central Horizon (Blocks 79A to 79E) for its bird’s eye view sceneries of Singapore, from the nearby heartlands around Toa Payoh, to green spaces and downtown Singapore. 

After rediscovering and exploring the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, I realised that I still have more of Toa Payoh’s history, heritage, culture, spaces and sceneries to learn, explore and document them in my visual stories. With that in mind, I have consolidated my Toa Payoh earlier visual storytelling photos into an album on Flickr, for both locals and international visitors to visit and know more about Toa Payoh.

Last but not least, a special mention to Jerome Lim of The Long and Winding Road, whom I got to know (from a decade back) when I first started my old places documentation. We shared a common interest and passion in history, heritage and culture sectors, going for walks, talks, events. Jerome’s knowledge and passion in Singapore’s history, heritage and culture sectors are well-known and well-respected. 

Jerome is a former Toa Payoh resident, he has a unique and priceless connection with Toa Payoh and Block 53 “VIP Block”. If you know, you know, if you don’t know, why not visit Jerome’s website and discover it for yourself? Do also check out this video of Jerome being interviewed by Straits Times on his childhood adventures at the Toa Payoh Dragon Playground.  

I would like to encourage you, my fellow local Singaporeans and international visitors, to embark on a local and iconic neighbourhood heritage, history and culture tour in Singapore to rediscover and explore Singapore’s history and heritage on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail.  

The post Rediscover Singapore’s History on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

One of the events that I attended was the IHC Pongal Evening Trail, I heard it was very popular and in demand. After attending this trail organised by IHC, I began to understand why it was so popular. Not only did I have a fun time, I had an informative, enriching learning time and an interactive hands on Pongal cultural experience too!  

IHC Pongal Evening Trail

Introduction to Pongal

Starting off at Indian Heritage Centre (IHC), we were first introduced to Pongal Festival with a tour of the exhibits on display. 

Pongal is a 4 days harvest festival celebrated by the Tamil community, to give thanks to Surya, the Sun God for the blessings of a bountiful harvest. The exhibits on display and the write up were informative and easy for visitors to learn and understand more about Pongal Festival. 

4 Days of Pongal

Day 1 – Bhogi Pongal

The first day of Pongal is called Bhogi. A day of cleaning and discarding old belongings to mark a fresh start. New clothes are worn, houses are decorated for the festivities. 

Day 2 – Surya Pongal

The second day is the main day of Pongal and is celebrated as Surya Pongal. The colourful decorative floor patterns are called Kolam, these are drawn at the entrance of the home. Each household cooks a pot of fresh rice with milk. 

Day 3 – Maatu Pongal

The third day is known as Maatu Pongal. On this day, it’s devoted to honour and worship the cattle (Maatu). The cows are bathed and decorated flower garlands and bells. 

Day 4 – Kaanum Pongal

The fourth day is known as Kaanum Pongal, a day of family reunions and visits, accompanied by sumptuous meals, strengthening family and community ties. 

A more detailed write up about Pongal Festival can be found on IHC’s website article and IHC instagram video!

Pongal Walk through bustling Campbell Lane

After the introduction to Pongal, we were led outside to the bustling and lively Campbell Lane for a Pongal Walk. The guides were very helpful in sharing with us the various items on sale outside the shops along Campbell Lane, their significance and importance for the Pongal festival. 

We can feel the hustle and bustle of Pongal festival as well as its festive shopping. Spot the colourful earthen pots used for the boiling of the traditional dish pongal, the tall sugar cane stalks that were lined up along the shops at Campbell Lane. You can’t miss the fresh turmeric and ginger stalks too!

We also walked to Serangoon Road, for a quick view of the bright and colourful Pongal Light Up along Serangoon Road. Thereafter, we walked back to IHC for a hands-on and very fun interactive workshop.

Hands-on and very fun interactive workshop

Creating a Pulli Kolam

I saw beautiful and colourful traditional decorative artworks drawn on the floor outside homes. I didn’t know the name of this traditional cultural artwork until I was at this IHC Pongal Evening Trail event interactive workshop. This is known as Kolam, drawn using rice flour. We had a short hands on session by our wonderful trail guides teaching and demonstrating to us how to create a Pulli Kolam, along with the help of step by step pictures.  

It may look easy to you, it was quite a handful challenge for me, maybe that’s why I am not really that good in arts and craft! Hearing from the sharing by our guides on the cultural aspects and stories of creating a Pulli Kolam, widely practised by female family members in front of their house, it’s enriching and enlightening to hear those cultural stories and significance behind such practices. 

Learning the art of tying Thoranam 

I had seen this hanging decoration before outside homes and at Little India, I didn’t know much about this cultural significance until I attended IHC Pongal Evening Trail event. This hanging decoration is known as Thoranam, the participants learnt the art of tying Thoranam, the historical and cultural meanings behind this, used for happy occasion or mourning for people who visit that place.

Learning a traditional Indian Folk Dance Kollattam (Stick Dance)

Kollattam, also known as Stick Dance, is one of the traditional Indian folk dances. This is a very popular folk dance in Indian Culture, a rural art performed during village festivals with sticks. We were taught simple dance movements by our event hosts/guides, soon we were clapping before taking up the sticks and dancing away.

This was definitely one of the highlights from IHC Pongal Evening Trail that the participants thoroughly enjoyed that evening! I managed to move to and fro, in between learning Kollattam and taking photos of the group in action! 

At the end of the IHC Pongal Evening Trail event, we all had a great learning, interactive, fun and enjoyable time!

Pongal Open House 2022 at Indian Heritage Centre

Plan a visit to Indian Heritage Centre for its Pongal Open House 2022! You can discover how Pongal is celebrated in Singapore, check out the cultural activities, workshops and trails at the IHC Pongal Open House 2022.

Dates: 8th to 16th January 2022

Visit Indian Heritage Centre!

For more information and updates on Indian Heritage Centre, please visit and check them out on their social media platforms below:

Website: https://www.indianheritage.gov.sg/en 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indianheritagecentre 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianheritage_sg/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/IndianHeritageCentre 

Address: 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924 

Explore Our Own Backyard – Visit Heritage Institutions and Museums 

Although we may not be travel overseas as much and as freely due to the ongoing global pandemic situation, along with the various restrictions and measures in place in different parts of the world. 

This would actually be an excellent time to explore our own backyard (Yes, Singapore can have a domestic tourism sector too!), such as visiting Heritage Institutions and Museums in Singapore! While there is no doubt that Singapore is definitely a country small in land size, she has her own rich history, heritage, culture and diversity at the various Heritage Institutions and Museums.  

I have been covering museums, from exhibitions and various events. A few years back, I started covering and sharing on the Heritage Institutions, from exhibitions to the various events that they organised. I am working on expanding my coverage in this segment. 

If you haven’t been doing so, take the time to visit Singapore’s various Heritage Institutions and Museums, there are so many more history, heritage and cultural lessons and experiences that you can learn and enjoy. 

Wishing all a Happy Pongal! May this Pongal Festival brings you prosperity and happiness to you and your family! 

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