In a heartwarming display of Singapore’s multicultural spirit, Sri Mariamman Temple at 244 South Bridge Road hosted a vibrant Lunar New Year reunion lunch on Feb 7.
The event brought together 100 seniors from different homes to engage in a tradition usually reserved for family, turning the temple grounds into a hub of harmony.
Symbolising unity, the reunion dinner is a tradition typically reserved for Chinese families on Lunar New Year’s Eve. The temple brought that same spirit of togetherness to its community lunch. Residents and seniors from five welfare homes: Sree Narayana Mission, Sunlove Home, Tembusu Home, Banyan Home, and the Kreta Ayer Seniors Activity Centre, attended the celebration.
The festivities began with a Bharatanatyam performance (traditional Indian dance), followed by a Lion Dance. The highlight of the afternoon was the ‘Lo Hei’ ceremony, where seniors gathered around tables to toss a symbolic salad, promoting prosperity and good health. The vegetarian meal served was specially prepared at the temple.
Mr Shekaran Krishnan, Chairman of the Sri Mariamman Temple, noted that the temple has been organising the Lunar New Year celebration for 24 years now. “Each year, the committee brings new excitement and energy to improve the event,” he said.
“This lunch is a way for Sri Mariamman Temple to give back to the Chinatown community in a meaningful way. Being in Chinatown, we too want to celebrate Chinese New Year, and we do it well with the lion dance and good food,” he added.
Ms Rathi Balakrishnan, 36, a member of the temple committee, emphasised the importance of the temple’s location. “With a Buddhist temple and the Masjid Jamae Chulia nearby, this area reflects Singapore’s social fabric. Even as a Hindu temple, hosting inclusive events is essential and shows our racial harmony.”
The event’s success was driven by volunteers’ dedication. From preparing gift bags to serving meals, the volunteers worked to ensure no senior felt isolated. “It’s about giving those from homes a sense of family,” shared volunteer Ms Umadevi.
Participant Mdm Saroja, 78, from Telok Blangah, said she enjoyed meeting people from different races and chatting with friends.
Ms Susan Hoong, 76, from the Kreta Ayer Seniors Activity Centre, praised the delicious food and thanked the temple for its inclusive gesture.
All participants were given red envelopes, oranges, and gift bags containing items carefully selected for the seniors to use.
