8 Fun Ways To Ring In The Indian New Year
Happy Indian New Year! This auspicious day is observed by the various sub-ethnic Indian communities in Singapore. Tamil families celebrate Puthandu on the first day of the Tamil calendar month of Chithirai, and it marks the day of the universe’s creation, signifying a fresh beginning. The Sikh community observes Vaisakhi, the Malayalee community observes Vishu, the Telugu community observes Ugadi, and the Bengali community observes Pohela Baishakh – all around this time of the year too.
Indian New Year is made even more special with delicious sweets, which are an integral part of Indian culture and festivities, and are symbols of joy and wealth. Highlighting the significance of sweets, the Indian Heritage Centre’s (IHC) Indian New Year Open House this year features sweet-themed programmes on the weekend of 15 and 16 April 2023:
Mithai BB Sweet-themed Pop-up Installation
Step into IHC and be greeted by a candy-inspired installation: “Mithai BB” by Mithra. This whimsical art installation at IHC’s main staircase features illustrations of flavourful Indian sweets and snacks, including laddu, pani puri, kesar peda, jalebi, masala chai, kolukattai, kaju katli, and samosa. It’s a treat for the eyes!
15-30 April 2023; 10am-6pm
Free
IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE
Free Thematic Craft Activities and Experiences
Celebrate the Indian New Year at IHC with live sweet tasting sessions, and unleash your creativity with free themed craft activities, such as making Indian tea kettle magnets and thoranam (hanging decoration) bookmarks.
15-16 April 2023; 10am-6pm
Free
For the first 300 visitors daily
IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE
Festive Indian Sweets Cooking Demonstration
Indulge your sweet tooth in Chef Devagi’s Festive Indian Sweets Cooking Demonstration. Discover the secrets behind making well-loved festive Indian sweets that get their distinct flavours from jaggery, a traditional sweetener made from sugar cane or palm.
15 April 2023; 11am - 12pm
$10
Register here
Sweet & Savoury Pairing Workshop
Then for an afternoon treat, enjoy Indian-inspired festive mocktails by The Elephant Room's in-house mixologist Yugnes Susela, paired with savoury bites whipped up by Singapore's Spice Queen Devagi Shanmugam. Master the rich and complex flavours and impress your friends the next time they visit.
15 April 2023; 3pm - 5pm
$15
Register here
IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE
Little India Sweet Trail
For those who want to immerse themselves in Indian New Year's customs and traditions, join the Little India Sweet Trail. This curated thematic route takes you to Insta-worthy heritage sites as you discover how our Indian friends prep for the Indian New Year. The trail will also make a stop for sweet treats from a local store!
15, 16 April 2023; 11am - 12pm
$10
Register here
IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE
Kids’ Storytelling & Craft Session
Why does Indian New Year fall in April? Join Meera, the friendly puppet, on an adventure to discover the Indian New Year through drawings, craft, games and dance in this interactive and immersive storytelling session by by Grace Kalaiselvi. Perfect for kids and parents alike.
15, 16 April 2023; 11am – 12:30pm
$10
Register here
IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE
Tamil Language Tours of IHC
Take a free Tamil guided tour of the Indian Heritage Centre’s galleries galleries as part of the Tamil Language Festival 2023. Explore the history, heritage, and culture of the Indian and South Asian communities in Singapore and Southeast Asia, with a focus on the significant role of Tamil language and how it has grown in Singapore.
15 April 2023; 3pm – 4pm
$10, refundable
Register here
IMAGE: INDIAN HERITAGE CENTRE
Parent & Child Flower Tying Workshop
In this hands-on workshop, you and your little one will learn the art of saram tying using orchids, and try two styles of lotus folding from our seasoned masters of the art. Learn the meaning behind this Indian tradition and take home your own beautiful creations.
16 April 2023; 2pm – 3.30pm
$10
Register here
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