Revel in the sweet traditions of the Indian New Year at the Indian Heritage Centre Indian New Year Open House!
Venue: Indian Heritage Centre
Dates: 15 & 16 Apr 2023
Admission: Free
Known as Puthandu to the Tamil community, the Indian New Year is traditionally celebrated on the first day of the Tamil calendar and marks the day of the universe’s creation, signifying a fresh beginning. This year, the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) Indian New Year Open House will take place on 15 and 16 April 2023, with highlights that include a sweet-themed art installation, guided trails and tours, cooking demonstrations, exciting performances, and more.
Sweets in Indian Culture
Highlighting the significance of sweets in Indian culture and festivities, this year’s open house features sweet-themed programmes such as the Sweet & Savoury Pairing Workshop, an engaging tasting experience which pairs Indian-inspired festive mocktails with savoury bites; a specially-curated Little India Sweet Trail which explores the customs and traditions of the Indian New Year as they are practised in the precinct, while also serving up delectable treats; and a Festive Indian Sweets Cooking Demonstration, which brings visitors behind the scenes to discover how popular Indian sweets obtain their distinct flavours.
Candy Installation at the IHC
Dates: 15 - 30 Apr 2023, 10 am - 6 pm
Admission: Free
Adding to the festive atmosphere, a candy-inspired installation titled Mithai BB by Mithra takes over IHC’s main staircase, welcoming visitors as they step into the entrance. Inspired by flora and fungi, the art installation features whimsical illustrations of flavourful Indian sweets and snacks, including laddu, pani puri, kesar peda, jalebi, masala chai, kolukattai, kaju katli, and samosa. Visitors can also strike a pose at a sweet-themed photobooth, or try their hands at a variety of free themed craft activities that include Indian tea kettle magnet- and thoranam (hanging decorations) bookmark-making.
Craft Activities and Experiences
Dates: 15 - 16 Apr 2023, 10 am - 6 pm
Admission: Free
Start the Indian New Year right with live sweet tasting sessions at the Indian Heritage Centre! From Indian tea kettle magnets to thoranam bookmarks, visitors can unleash their creativity at these themed craft stations, and strike a pose with their loved ones at the colourful sweet-themed photobooth afterwards.
Limited to the first 300 visitors daily
Live Performances
Dates: 15 - 16 Apr 2023, 11 am
Admission: Free
Enjoy a sweet visual treat with a dynamic showcase of high-spirited Indian dance styles at the Indian Heritage Centre Indian New Year Open House!
Sweet & Savoury Pairing Workshop
Dates: 15 Apr 2023, 3 pm - 5 pm
Admission: $15 (Details here)
Discover the customs and traditions of the Indian New Year through this immersive Little India Sweet Trail. Featuring various insta-worthy heritage sites, the specially curated thematic route also satiates your sweet tooth with treats from a local store!
Kids' Storytelling and Craft Session
Dates: 15 - 16 Apr 2023, 11 am - 12.30 pm
Admission: $10 (Details here)
If the New Year falls on 1 January, why do we celebrate another one in the month of April? Join Meera as she brings you on an adventure to discover the Indian New Year through drawings, craft, games and dance in this interactive and immersive storytelling session.
Parent & Child Flower Tying Workshop
Dates: 16 Apr 2023, 11 am - 12.30 pm
Admission: $10 (Details here)
Spend some quality time with your child while learning about Indian culture in this hands-on traditional garland tying workshop using fragrant fresh flowers!
