Cultural Celebration - Pongal Festival 2010

        Written by: Belinda Sunshine

If you are visiting Singapore at this time of the year, an interesting event to catch is the Pongal Festival 2010. It is happening from 9 January 2010 to 17 January 2010 in Little India on Serangoon Road. On these dates, devotees celebrate the Pongal Festival, a traditional harvest celebration originating from Southern India.

Pongal Festival rice offering

(Photo courtesy of Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association – LISHA)

Pongal is the only Hindu Festival that follows a solar calendar and is celebrated on the 14th of January every year. It marks the beginning of Uttarayana, the Sun’s movement northward for a 6 months period. Very significant for farmers, Pongal Festival marks the end of the harvesting season. During this period, markets are flooded with agricultural produce.


The celebrations also signify a thanksgiving festival for Hindu deities, where devotees pay respects to Lord Indra, the God of Heavens, Sun God and their cattle. In fact in Hindu temples, visitors can hear the ringing of bells, drums, clarinets and conch shell heralding the joyous occasion of Pongal. To symbolize a bountiful harvest, rice is cooked in new pots until they boil over. Some of the rituals performed in the temple include the preparation of rice, the chanting of prayers and the offering of vegetables, sugar cane and spices to the Gods. Devotees then consume the offerings to free themselves of past sins.

Preparation of offerings

                               (Photo courtesy of LISHA)

Pongal festivities go on for 4 days and are different day to day. The first day is called “Bhogi Pongal” which is celebrated within the family. On this day, old clothes and useless materials are thrown away, marking the beginning of a new life. This day is celebrated in honour of Lord Indra, the supreme ruler of clouds that give rains.

The second day, which is “Surya Pongal”, the worshipping of Surya Bhagawan (the Sun God) takes place. On this day, people celebrate by boiling fresh milk early in the morning and allowing it to boil over the vessel, a tradition that is the literal translation for Pongal. People also prepare savouries and sweets, visit each other’s homes, and exchange greetings.

Offerings of thanks to cows during Maatu Pongal

 

                                (Photo courtesy of LISHA)


The third day, “Maatu Pongal”, is meant to offer thanks to the cows and buffaloes, animals sacred in Hinduism. Cows or cattle are revered as traditionally they are used to plough the fields which yield bountiful harvest. You can see on this day, the cows are bathed, their horns polished and their bodies painted with bright colours. Multi-coloured beads, tinkling bells, sheaves of corn and flower garlands are tied around the animals’ necks.


The fourth day is known as “Kaanum Pongal”, when colourful rice is fed to the crows and birds. The feeding of the birds is usually carried out by sisters for the welfare of their brothers. This practice dates back to the old days when young men were required to go and work in the fields to feed to the family.

Viewing of cows

 

                              (Photo courtesy of LISHA)

In fact, on the first day of Pongal, Hindu homes will also prepare “sweet sticky rice” cooked in a new pot. “Pongal” means to boil over and hence the pot of rice is allowed to boil over as a sign of prosperity.


 
On the day of Pongal, people go sightseeing, shopping, feasting, etc. In Singapore, relatives and friends gather for gala lunches. Many Indian restaurants in Singapore offer special menus comprising South Indian cuisine during Pongal celebrations. Not just Indians, but various other ethnic communities in our city also participate in the festivities.

Shopping at a Pongal Festival stall

                            (Photo courtesy of LISHA)

Visitors especially can experience first-hand the carnival atmosphere of Pongal celebration. Campbell Lane in Little India will be converted into a pedestrian-only mini village during this period. Here you can browse the stalls and sample some of the festive foods, and perhaps get your hands on unique souvenirs, saris, trinkets, art and crafts daily from 2pm to midnight. (2am on weekends).


For the shutterbugs, Heritage Corner within Campbell Lane in Little India will be set up with live cows and calves for visitors to catch a glimpse and take photographs. Not forgetting that there are daily cultural performances for entertainment. Other activities to be expected are, a mass cooking demonstration, and Singapore pilgrimage tours to visit major temples in the city, during this period of celebrations.

Talk conducted for Pongal Festival tour

                                 (Photo courtesy of LISHA)

A line-up of what to expect during the Festival:-

9th January 2010 (Saturday)

7.15pm : Switch-On Ceremony, followed by Cultural Performance.

14th January 2010 (Thursday)

6pm : Pongal Distribution followed by “Theru Kuthu” (Street Performance) by foreign folk artistes.

15th January 2010 (Friday)

2.30pm : Maatu Pongal (Prayers honouring the cattle)

16th January 2010 (Saturday)

9am : Colouring Contest
4pm : Mass Pongal (30 – 50 Pongal pots cooking simultaneously) demonstration

17th January 2010 (Sunday)

10am – 12noon : The Best Decorative Cow Competition
7pm : Cultural Performance by local and foreign artistes.

Indian cultural dance performance

                                (Photo courtesy of LISHA)


Tourists to Singapore will surely appreciate and experience “Pongal” and learn more about Indian culture. This Indian Harvest Festival in Spring, which showcases a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
 
VISIT “LITTLE INDIA” IN SERANGOON ROAD FOR SOME ENLIGHTENMENT.

Va Va Voom at the Singapore Airshow

Written by Eevon Ng

You can’t help but get filled with excitement and energy at Asia’s largest aviation show because this is where you can go euphoric on aviation fun.

Look forward to astonishing aerial performances and demonstrations at the Singapore Airshow

                      (Photo courtesy of Singapore Airshow)

 Travellers to Singapore are in for an action-packed weekend as audacious aerobatic teams take to the skies and wow crowds with their remarkable aircraft. The Singapore Airshow 2010 is actually a 6-day event, taking place from 2 to 7 February 2010. However, the first 4 days are exclusively for trade attendees while the final 2 weekend days are open to public.

Check out the collection of aircrafts at the 40,000-square-metre Changi Exhibition

                        (Photo courtesy of Singapore Airshow)

To get the most out of this event, do come ready with your camera. Try chasing the speedy aircrafts with your camera shutter as they stampede through diaphanous clouds that burst underneath the belly of the plane. This is a chance for aircraft fans to feed their passionate interest in flying and for parents to create interest for their kids to explore aerospace, aviation and engineering aspirations. There’s no better ground to foster keen interest in aviation than with the magnificent aircraft displays at the Singapore Airshow.

Get lofty from the thrilling, breathtaking collection of flying machines soaring in close formation

                       (Photo courtesy of Singapore Airshow)

Aside from watching behind the runway fenceline, aircraft enthusiasts will soar with delight at the opportunity to come up close with the world's newest planes and aviation products at the aviation exhibition where over 800 exhibiting companies from more than 40 countries participate in Asia’s largest and one of the world’s top three aerospace and defence exhibitions. Oh la la aircraft aficionados will also be pleased to collect unique official merchandise and freebies exclusive to the Airshow.

Exhibiting companies include 62 of the global top 100 aviation giants such as Boeing, Rolls Royce and Lockheed Martin

                        (Photo courtesy of Singapore Airshow)

While dad goes flurry with aviation gadgets, mom and the kids could enjoy food, shopping and interactive games at the Singapore Airshow Carnival. Yes the entire Airshow ground will be converted to a huge family-oriented carnival! Get frisky and try out good old traditional and indigenous games like Congkak, Capteh and Main Lereng at the Sports Museum showcase by the Singapore Sports Council. Movie buffs can pose with over 20 movie mascots or have fun with the activities at the Art Zone. There will be performances by the US Air Force and Swiss Alpine and you can also experience Belgian culture or get a taste of Swiss cuisine at the various cultural villages. What’s more, there will be attractive lucky draw prizes up for grabs throughout the day. Sounds good?
By the way, environmental-friendly exhibitors will be showcasing their green initiatives at the Green Pavilion. Take this opportunity to find out more on the commercial aviation industry’s ongoing effort and initiatives to control the adverse effects of carbon emission. Don’t you think this is an awesome cause to support?

Be sure to mark the Singapore Airshow in your diary as it is going to be a fun-filled day out for anyone, everyone! Va Va Voom!

Rice offering during Pongal Festival

                    (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

Around this time, direct from Mumbai, “The Merchants of Bollywood” (12 – 17 January 2010), a music and dance performance featuring a galaxy of internationally renowned dancers/performers will be at the Esplanade Theatre.


Come 30th January 2010 during Thaipusam, do not miss catching the sight of devotees walking along Little India carrying milk pots and wooden Kavadis with their bodies pierced with spikes and hooks.

Thaipusam procession

                      (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

This February will be saying goodbye to the Year of the Ox and welcoming the Year of the Tiger. Though the Spring Festival (Chunjie), or Chinese New Year, is celebrated by Chinese communities around the world, what makes Singapore’s celebration unique is the way the tradition is given a modern spin. Expect to see a dazzling display of lights, decorations and spectacular arches, themed to welcome the Year of the Tiger.

Highlights:–
• Light-up along the streets of Chinatown (23 January 2010 – 7 March 2010)
• Festive street stalls selling goodies and souvenirs (23 January 2010 – 13 February 2010)
• Nightly stage shows at Kreta Ayer Square (23 January 2010 – 13 February 2010)
• International Lion Dance Competition

Singapore River Hongbao Festival

                  (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)


One of the highlights showcasing Singapore unique way of welcoming the Chinese New Year is “Singapore River Hongbao Festival” (12 – 20 February 2010). Visitors will be enthralled to watch Marina Bay’s floating platform being transformed with majestic, large scale displays of popular Chinese mythical creatures from the Chinese Zodiac animals and the God of Fortune. Coupled with the daily line-up of traditional and contemporary song and cultural dance performance, make sure you savour all the local culinary Festive food and delicacies at the many stalls!
 
Chingay 2010 (19 – 20 February 2010) for the first time will introduce a fun-filled carnival theme “Passion Meet The Movie Characters Night” on the 2 parade days. Showcasing talents from China and International performance, the “Grandest Finale in Chingay History” will debut with a poignant presentation of the “Colours of the Lion City and Celebrations”. This giant street bash will definitely have revellers partying till the wee hours of the morning.


Venue : F1 Pit Building

Capacity : 36,000 seats (for both days)

One of the many performance in the Chingay Parade

                     (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

There is also the M1 Fringe Festival (13 – 24 January 2010), a showcase of cutting-edge arts. And if that is not enough, the Huayi-Chinese Festival of Arts (19 – 28 February 2010), and event which unites all overseas Chinese with a vibrant extravaganza that celebrates the talents and diversity from Singapore and the region. Expect 10 exciting days of cutting-edge theatre, music, dance, visual arts and movie. Something not to be missed!

“Eternity by Fuchsia Lane” (26 January 2010 – 13 February 2010). Inspired by architecture and Peranakan beading and embroidery, this is the World’s first bridal and art fashion showcasing local designers Justin Lee and Susan Ong’s creations. Presented by Ou Cheong Jewellery, the showcase is held at ION Orchard Art Gallery.
 
Other exciting events to look forward to are:

• AMIT Live First World Tour (29 – 30 January 2010)

          A concert by popular artiste A*mei at the Singapore Indoor Stadium

•  Puccini’s “La Boheme” (29 – 30 January 2010 & 1 – 3 February 2010)
  
  For film buffs, “Next Reel International Film Festival” is from 31 January 2010 – 4 February 2010. This event is organised by New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. It is only held once every 2 years.
  

Singapore Black Knights performing at Singapore Airshow

                 (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

While you are here for a visit, do not forget to go to the Singapore Airshow which will be held from 2 February 2010 – 7 February 2010. This is Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibition. It will be held at Changi Exhibition Centre. In the month of February, Hong Kong icon, Sam Hui, the godfather of cantopop will be holding a live concert on 19 February 2010.

One of Singapore’s biggest music events, “Mosaic Music Festival”, returns in March from 12 – 21 March 2010. The 10-day music experience comprises genres from Jazz and Blues to Hip-hop and World Music. The festival will be held at the Esplanade. Timbre Rock & Roots (26 – 27 March 2010) is a 2-day music festival featuring a range of soulful and eclectic performance from musical legends and cutting-edge artists. It takes place on Marina Promenade. Ollie and the Slurge (2 – 19 March 2010) is a family musical for all ages with wonderful puppets and live music. And should you want to find out more about the latest trends in furniture design, then do not miss the International Furniture Fair that will be held from 9 March 2010 until 12 March 2010.

Mosaic Music Festival

                     (Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board)

It is only the first quarter of 2010 and there is so many to look forward too. Indeed Singapore is a “culture chic” city.

SEE YOU AROUND. HAVE FUN!!!

2009 Formula 1 SingTel SG GP

The 2009 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX returns this year with even more after-dusk action. Set in the heart of the city, the world's only FORMULA ONE night race promises thrilling high-speed action on the streets of Singapore, past some of the of the city's most iconic and historic landmarks.


Besides the night race, ticketholders can also catch more action off the track. Rock band Travis, soul-queen Chaka Khan, international sensation Backstreet Boys, are just some of the artistes that forms this year's exciting entertainment line-up.

New Hotels in Singapore

Written by: Belinda Sunshine

Are you planning a trip to Singapore in the next couple of months? Whether it is for business or pleasure, you would be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. For the discerning traveller, let me introduce you to 3 new hotels which will surely make your stay memorable.

NOSTALGIA HOTEL
(77, Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168727)

Nostalgia Hotel at night
(Photo courtesy of Nostalgia Hotel)

“Nostalgia” is Singapore’s unique “Boutique Experience”. Elegant yet cosy, “Nostalgia Hotel” is a non-smoking, affordable, luxury hotel situated in one of Singapore’s most historic areas, minutes from the Central Business District, Orchard Road, and Chinatown. Classic décor, eclectic designs with fine furnishing and chandeliers give the hotel a unique and welcoming ambience. This charmingly affluent new world pleasures, with a sense of affordable luxury experience. Its target guests would be high-end independent traveller and top SME corporate, but families are also welcomed.
The 50 business friendly rooms are spread over 4 floors, with 4 different room categories. Each room has a 2-themed design. One reflects the romantic, historic aspect of the district; the other, a colonial theme that illustrates the colonial heritage of Singapore. All rooms are individually furnished with lavish facilities and graced with original art work by local acclaimed Andre Tan. The rooms are also equipped with the latest technology and quality amenities, and provides impeccable services.

Exclusive Room

                         (Photo courtesy of Nostalgia Hotel)

It has a swimming enclave, a remarkable al-fresco restaurant named Potion which serves contemporary Asian food and it is opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also has an indoor lounge bar.

Al-fresco dining at Potion Restaurant

                           (Photo courtesy of Nostalgia Hotel)

Published room rates* are:-
Superior Room : S$250 (single) / S$300 (double)
Deluxe Room : S$350 (single) / S$400 (double)
Exclusive Room : S$450 (single) / S$500 (double)
Balcony Room : S$550 (single) / S$600 (double)

For reservation enquiries,
please call : (65) 6808 1818
or via e-mail : reservation@hotelnostalgia.com.sg

*Please note:
1. Rates quoted are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.
2. All rates are on per room per night basis.

Entrance to Santa Grand Hotel Bugis

                     (Photo courtesy of Santa Grand Hotel Bugis)

If you love the characteristic charm of the colonial era, but cannot live without modern amenities, then look no further then the Santa Grand Hotel Bugis, a brand new hotel located in the vicinity of Arab Street, where the diverse cultures of the Middle East and India meet in a melting pot of exotic cuisines, textiles, oriental carpets, and ethnic goods. Santa Grand Hotel Bugis provides guests with a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of urban life while giving easy access to the Orchard Road shopping belt and the Central Business District.

Family Suite

                     (Photo courtesy of Santa Grand Hotel Bugis)

Housed in a modern 4 storey building, its architecture is Javanese in design, with wooden shutters and flooring. Each of the 73 rooms is in itself a cosy and tranquil retreat equipped with the latest technology and amenities. Guests can enjoy workouts in the gymnasium or perhaps relax in the open-air sundeck located on the rooftop next to the pool.

Rooftop pool

                       (Photo courtesy of Santa Grand Hotel Bugis)

The rates* are reasonable and are priced at:

Standard Room : S$128
Family Suite : S$258

For reservation enquiries,

please call : (65) 6298 8638
or via e-mail : enquiries@santa.com.sg

*Please note:

1. Rates quoted are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes.
2. All rates are on per room per night basis.

VALUE HOTEL THOMSON

(592, Balestier Road, Singapore 329901)

Value Hotel Thomson along Balestier Road

                                             (Photo courtesy of Value Hotel Thomson)

This is the largest of the 3 Value Hotels in operation. Located near the junction of Balestier Road and Thomson Road with easy access to the City Centre, Value Hotel Thomson is a majestic 12 storey hotel with 366 rooms.

It has a 24-hour Café and a Restaurant which serves Western and Asian cuisines and delicacies, a 24-hour convenience store, a swimming pool and a work-out room on the 7th floor.

Work-out room on 7th floor

(Photo courtesy of Value Hotel Thomson)

All rooms are equipped with the usual amenities and internet access. The room categories range from Standard (single/twin) to Superior, Deluxe, and Triple room. Standard Room’s rates* are very affordable at S$79nett (valid for nights of Sunday to Thursday) and S$89nett (valid for nights of Friday and Saturday).

Getting around Singapore is a breeze from Value Hotel Thomson. It is only 30 minutes to Changi Airport, 15 minutes to the Central Business District and 10 minutes to popular Orchard Road shopping belt. One can also explore the old world charm of Balestier neighbourhood. Besides when it comes to food, Whampoa Market and the new al-fresco Balestier Market offer scrumptious local delights at reasonable prices.

Superior Room

(Photo courtesy of Value Hotel Thomson)

For reservation enquiries,

please call : (65) 6358 2323
or via e-mail : vht-res@valuehotel.com.sg

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay

Know by the locals as the Durian because of its spiky roofing, Esplanade is another premiere performing arts venue in Singapore. Esplanade features a 2,000-seat theatre, a 1,600-seat concert hall, two smaller studios, a mall as well as two outdoor theatres and is situated along the promenade. The two spiky looking domes are the large theatre and concert hall and have more than 7,000 pieces of aluminium roofing (resulting in the spiky effect which is supposed to look like microphones). Shows performed here include live music, dance and theatre.

The 8,000sqm Esplanade Mall is a mixture of retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment facilities housed over three levels. Esplanade is also used for lifestyle and arts-related events too. Another part to visit is the library@esplanade, on its third floor – Singapore's first performing arts public library. Library hours are from 11:00 – 21:00 daily)

Located just by Marina Bay at the mouth of the Singapore River, it's a well-known meeting point for locals and offers lovely central-city views of the harbour. Also on many occasions live music is played between the Esplanade exit and the river.Location: Between Raffles Avenue and Esplanade Drive, just by Marina Bay at the mouth of the Singapore River.

Merlion Park

The Merlion is the mythical symbol of Singapore, situated at the Merlion Park at Marina Bay. The statue is a creature that is a cross between a fish and a lion, spouting water out from the mouth into the river. This famous imaginary beast attracts over a million visitors per year. The park itself has a nice setting with terraced seating offering great views of Singapore’s city skyline and landmarks as well as scenic waterfront. Nearby there are lots of shops selling souvenirs, especially of Merlion icons such as refrigerator magnets, T-shirts, key chains and photo frames. Open: All dayLocation: On the waterfront at Marina Bay, not far from Raffles Place MRT Station.