Heritage guide Geraldene Lowe reveals how to immerse yourself in Indian culture – right here in the Lion City.
Navarathri & Vijayadasami Festivals
These festivals are celebrated over 10 days – the first nine days constitute Navarathri, whileVijayadasami is held on the final day.
Navarathri This festival honours the Mother Goddess in her various forms. Enjoy music, dancing and singing at Kaliamman Temple on Serangoon Road, Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple on Ceylon Road, Sri Ruthra Kaliamman Temple on Depot Road and Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown. The most colourful celebrations will be held at Chettiar Hindu Temple on Tank Road.
Vijayadasami Head to Chettiar Hindu Temple on Tank Road to see priests shoot arrows into the air to ward off evil. The procession of Lord Murugan – the God of war and the patron deity of the Tamil land – then travels from River Valley Road to Killiney Road and the Orchard area before returning to the temple.
Guru Granth Sahib’s Birthday All Sikh temples celebrate the birthday of Guru Granth Sahib – the sacred book of the Sikhs. Prayers are recited from 8pm each evening for a period of 48 hours and all visitors are welcome.
Fire Walking Ceremony Visit Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, on South Bridge Road, to witness a fire walking ceremony celebrating the story of Draupadi – the beautiful Daughter of Fire – who walked across a fire-pit to prove her purity.
Deepavali – Festival Of Lights Deepavali celebrates victory of brightness over darkness. This festival of lights welcomes the new moon of the seventh month of the Hindu calendar and marks the triumph of good over evil. Visit Little India to witness the array of beautiful lights. And don’t miss the Deepavali Street Parade and the Deepavali Bazaar in Campbell Lane.
Guru Nanak’s Birthday The Sikh religion was founded by Guru Nanak in the 16th century. To see the celebration of Guru Nanak’s birthday, head to the Sikh temples at Silat Road, Wilkinson Road Temple in Katong, or Mt Sophia. You’ll be made to feel welcome with chapattis, daal and cardamom tea.
Ponggal Harvest Festival This festival originated in South India and is celebrated as a popular tradition of giving thanks for all things good. Held over four days in Hindu temples, old clothes are discarded to mark the beginning of new life and sweet food is offered to the Gods for the many blessings received during the year. Visit Campbell Lane in Little India to celebrate.
Thaipusam This Hindu festival is mostly celebrated by the Tamil community on the full moon of the month of Thai (January/February). It commemorates both the birthday of Lord Murugan – a Hindu deity – and the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan a vel (silver arrow) so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman.
On the first day, a silver chariot procession leaves the Chettiar Temple on Tank Road to reunite Lord Murugan with his elder brother Ganesh at his respective temple on the corner of Keong Saik and Kreta Ayer. On the second day of Thaipusam thousands of devotees carry offerings on their pilgrimage from Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road to the Chettiar Temple at Tank Road. These offerings can be as simple as a pot of milk, to the piercing of the skin, tongue or cheeks with a vel to demonstrate the mortification of flesh.
If you or your visitors would like to learn more about the real Lion City, join one of Heritage Guide Geraldene Lowe's famous tours exploring interesting areas of Singapore. Contact Geraldene at 6737 5250 or Diana Chua at 9489 1999 and email geraldenestours@hotmail.com to find out more. A cost of $25 covers temple donations and snacks with any further proceeds donated to charity.
Hari Raya Puasa Hari Raya Puasa is celebrated by both Indian and Malay Singaporeans. Visit the streets surrounding Kampong Glam, Arab Street and North Bridge Road, as well as Geylang Serai.
Hari Raya Haji Hari Raya Haji celebrates the conclusion of the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca – at which pilgrims are given the title of Haji (male) or Hajjah (female). The highlight of the occasion is the sacrifice of a goat or buffalo as a mark of gratitude to Allah. In Singapore, the religious sacrifice is performed at several mosques on the morning of Hari Raya. Visit the Sultan Mosque on Bussorah Street, the Darul Amman Mosque in Jalan Eunos, Geylang and the oldest mosque in Singapore – Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka off Havelock Road.
Posted on Oct 08
