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!

• Potli Bag Craft

  Design your very own Potli Bag, a unique door gift often found in Indian weddings.

• 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. Lobby Activations

Time: 10 am – 5 pm

Immerse yourself in bite-sized info on Indian New Year through interactive installations, panels and festive booths!

5. FREE Food and Drinks

Time: 11 am & 3 pm

Sip, snack, and celebrate! Enjoy complimentary treats and beverages as part of the new year festivities.

TICKETED WORKSHOPS: 

1. Festive Rice Cooking Demo and Stories with Chef Sowmiya 

Date:18th April 2026
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Price: $10/pax

Register here!

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

Register here!

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)

Register here! 

4. Introduction to Tholpaavai Koothu (Shadow Puppetry) 

Date: 18th April 2026

Time: 2pm - 4pm

Price: FREE

Register here!

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!