Seniors From Tanjong Pagar GRC Celebrate Chinese New Year at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple

Over 100 seniors from the Tanjong Pagar constituency gathered to usher in the Lunar New Year on March 1 at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.

The rhythmic clash of Chinese cymbals, and the prancing of a lion dance troupe marked the multi-cultural celebration unlike any other.

Now in its ninth year, the annual event organised by the Chettiars’ Temple Society (CTS) has become a quintessential Singaporean representation of a Hindu temple hosting a Chinese feast to honor the silver generation of a multi-racial community. 

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Social and Family Development Eric Chua was the Guest of Honour. He was welcomed with a majestic lion dance at the temple gates, followed by the traditional Indian gesture of being adorned with a fresh flower garland. 

Addressing the crowd, Mr Chua reflected on the profound symbolism of this event. In an era where evolving global tensions often leads to intolerance, and the spread of divisive narratives, he noted that Singapore stands out as a unique exception.

“It is only in Singapore where a guest-of-honour is welcomed into a Hindu temple with a lion dance display and garlanded,” Mr Chua said. 

“In many other countries, it is difficult even to get people of different faiths to sit at the same table. But here, this is our reality and we should applaud ourselves for that,” he added.

The seniors also received red ‘ang pao’ packets from Mr Chua. 

This year held special significance as it marked the first official community event held in the newly renovated Chettiar Wedding Hall at the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple.

CTS President Manickam Chettiar Nachiappan invoked the “we first” philosophy, a sentiment recently echoed by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, to reinstate the society’s commitment to the nation.

“Generosity is our greatest trait. Through initiatives like this, CTS remains an integral thread in the fabric of Singapore’s multi-cultural society,” Mr Manickam said.

Around 30 dedicated volunteers helped out, serving a thoughtfully prepared five course Chinese vegetarian lunch and stood side-by-side with the seniors, lifting their chopsticks high to symbolise rising prosperity and good health during the traditional Yu Sheng toss. 

The festive atmosphere was further elevated by live song segments, sung by the seniors themselves, and the appearance of ‘Caishen’, the Chinese God of Fortune mascot that turned out to be a crowd favorite.