Devotees visiting Sri Vairavimada Kaliamman Temple in Toa Payoh on Feb 28 witnessed an unusual sight – a lion dance performed inside the temple’s inner sanctum as part of a Chinese New Year celebration.
Two pairs of lion dance performers entered the temple to the sound of drums and cymbals and danced before the deities. Shortly after, an abishekam (ceremonial bath) was performed on the statue of Lord Murugan.
A performer dressed as Caishen, the Chinese God of Wealth, also appeared alongside the lions and handed out sweets to children.
The event was co-organised by the temple, Lian Shan Shuang Lin Buddhist Monastery, Toa Payoh East Community Club’s Indian Activity Executive Committee (IAEC) and Harmony Circle.
About 80 seniors later attended a Chinese New Year banquet held at the temple hall, including ComCare beneficiaries living in public rental flats. The six-course meal began with the traditional tossing of Yu Sheng, which was served on Indian banana leaves.
The temple also distributed red packets to the elderly.
Guest of honour Mr Saktiandi Supaat, adviser to Bishan-Toa Payoh Grassroots Organisations, told tabla! that the event showed how communities in Singapore could celebrate cultural festivals together.
“The Sri Vairavimada Temple provided half of the food while Shuang Lin Monastery provided the rest. Volunteers from the IAEC and Harmony Circle helped organise the event,” he said, adding that such collaborations should continue.
Ms Sudha Sivakumaran, a 41-year-old Certis Cisco officer who regularly visits the temple, said she had never seen such a celebration in her home country of Malaysia. “Events like this truly embody the old Tamil adage, ‘One Humanity, One God,’” she observed.
Madam Wu, a 69-year-old Chinese devotee, admitted she initially wondered if it was appropriate to host a lion dance within a Hindu temple.“I believe both the Chinese dance and the Hindu temple possess their own distinct divine elements. Seeing them come together was especially delightful,” shared the resident, who lives in a block opposite the temple.
71-year-old Toa Payoh resident and wheelchair user Madam Gopal Jaiyandi said she was heartened by the gathering, which was her first with fellow residents this year since returning to Singapore after several years abroad.“I know the residents here. I participate actively in volunteering and community events. Even if my health declines, I will keep coming,” she said with a smile.
Mr Chandrasekar Palanisamy, Chairman of the Sri Vairavimada Temple, remarked that the event reflects the universal virtues of compassion, generosity, and love for others – values cherished across all faiths.
