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10am - 5pm
Indian New Year is celebrated amongst the many Indian sub-ethnic communities in Singapore, from the Tamil Puthandu, to the Sikh Vaisaki, the Malayalee Vishu, and the Telungu and Kannada Ugadi. IHC's Indian New Year Open House celebrates the traditions behind these various cultures, where visitors can look forward to a vibrant line-up of live performances, family-friendly craft activities, and engaging workshops for all! Join us in the heart of Little India for a joyful celebration that welcomes the year ahead with fresh blessings and shared traditions.
FREE PROGRAMMES FOR ALL
1. LIVE Performances
Time: 11am – 5pm
Immerse yourself in the celebrations of various Indian communities! From Bhangra to Ghoomar, enjoy a string of back-to-back live cultural performances from various performing groups!
2. FREE Craft Activities
Time: 10am – 5pm
Bring home your own collectibles with hands-on crafts for everyone!
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Potli Bag Craft
Design your very own Potli Bag, a unique door gift often found in Indian weddings.
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Hanging Bell Craft
Decorate and bead a mini hanging bell - perfect for ushering in the new year!
3. Festive Market
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Discover unique finds at our curated Indian New Year market! Support local Indian home-based makers specialising in a variety of crafts, textiles, and treats!
4. FREE Guided Tours*
Time: 11am, 2pm (English Tours)
Embark on a deep dive into the Singaporean Indian Community as our docents bring you on a free, tour of IHC's Permanent Galleries! Just head over to our Level 1 Lobby to kickstart the tour!
*As part of the Tamil Language Festival, Tamil Language tours will be offered on 18 April, 11am. Register here! (with a refundable $10 deposit)
5. FREE Drinks
Time: 11 am & 3 pm
Sip and celebrate! Enjoy complimentary beverages as part of the new year festivities.
5. Lobby Activations
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Immerse yourself in bite-sized info on Indian New Year through interactive installations, panels and festive booths!
TICKETED WORKSHOPS:
1. Festive Rice Cooking Demo and Stories with Chef Sowmiya
Date:18th April 2026
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Price: $10/pax
Join Chef Sowmiya for a live cooking demo exploring unique rice varieties and festive dishes inspired by various Indian culinary traditions. Discover how texture, aroma & starch shape each dish, as Chef Sowmiya brings us through two mains and three sides, fit for the festive table.
2. Traditions of Little India: Trail & Banana Leaf Lunch
Date: 18th April 2026
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Price: $30/pax
Step into New Year traditions on a guided cultural trail through Little India—from the symbolism of auspicious fruits and betel leaves at Campbell Lane to rituals of prayer and blessing at a local temple in the heart of this historic precinct. Conclude with a curated vegetarian banana leaf feast, celebrating the flavours & meanings of the festive spread.
3. Garden of New Beginnings - Children Storytelling about Indian New Year
Date: 18th & 19th April 2026
Time: (18th) 2pm - 3pm / (19th) 10.30 am –11.30am
Price: $12.50/pax (Each child ticket must be accompanied by an Adult ticket)
Join us for a lively children’s theatrical storytelling performance celebrating the Indian New Year! Happening in both Tamil and English, step into a world of discovery through a hands-on storytelling performance filled with puzzle-making, quizzes, and a playful maze adventure!
4. Introduction to Tholpaavai Koothu (Shadow Puppetry) SOLD OUT!
Date: 19th April 2026
Time: 2pm - 4pm
Price: FREE
In this workshop, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible skill required to bring shadow puppets to life, from the precise hand movements to the diverse vocal ranges that have captivated village audiences for generations. Under the guidance of 6th-generation master puppeteers, step behind the screen to discover the artistry firsthand!