Sikhs and Tamils celebrate their New Year in Singapore
Sikhs celebrating Vesakhi at the Central Sikh Temple, along Towner Road. Photo: Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE — Many Indian communities, including the Tamils and Sikhs, are celebrating their New Year this week.
The Sikhs celebrated Vesakhi today (April 14). The community also kicked off a series of celebrations to mark SG50. The light-up at the Central Sikh Temple, along Towner Road, on Tuesday evening marked the highlight of the 300-year-old festival.
The community has also organised a slew of activities, such as Sikh Environment Day and Saviour Day (Rakhewala) for the month of April. In May, the spotlight will be on how Sikh ladies celebrate SG50 with the Women’s Festival.
There will also be awareness campaigns around the narratives surrounding Sikhism, including the importance of the turban and Sikh family life.
CELEBRATIONS AND FRIENDSHIPS
Meanwhile, the Tamil community also celebrated its New Year today.
The festival is marked on the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai, which normally falls on Apr 13 or 14 every year.
Several devotees gathered at the Sri Sivan Temple in Geylang East. Many of them had taken time off from work to spend the occasion with their families.
Each Tamil New Year has a special significance. This year, it symbolises celebrations, new friendships forged and existing ones strengthened. Last year, the celebrations symbolised victory and success in all endeavours. CHANNEL NEWSASIA
