When President Tharman Shanmugaratnam took to social media on April 14, he didn’t just offer well-wishes; he offered a primer in cultural fusion through the lens of a dinner plate.
His mouthwatering take on the briyani served as the perfect curtain-raiser for the Indian New Year – a period spanning April 14 and 15 that saw Singapore’s Tamil, Sikh, Malayalee, Bengali, Telugu, and other Indian communities celebrate their respective new beginnings.
The President’s tribute highlighted a fascinating paradox: the briyani, often seen as the “quintessential Indian dish,” likely has Persian roots.
In Singapore and Malaysia, it is defined by achar and dalcha; in Indonesia, it is enriched with coconut milk, proving that traditions can adapt without losing their soul.
Even the President’s personal preference for vegetable briyani made with seeraga samba rice speaks to a modern evolution – prioritising health and environmental sustainability without sacrificing heritage.
This evolution of tradition is the heartbeat of the Indian New Year in Singapore. As journalist Janarthanan explored through the story of Kanageshwari Muthukumaran and her family, the challenge of preserving culture in a fast-paced city is real.
In a landscape where the Gregorian New Year is the standard marker of time, Mrs Kanageshwari argues that cultural New Years deserve equal weight. While most families navigate work, school, and other commitments, she insists that a busy schedule shouldn’t mean missing out on tradition; rather, it’s during these hectic times that celebrating our roots becomes most essential.
It is precisely because we are busy that these moments of “coming home” to our roots become essential. At a time when global divisions are increasing, Singapore’s ability to recognise the unique riffs of each community – much like the different styles of briyani – is our strength.
The variety of Indian New Year celebrations reflects the richness of our social fabric.
Celebrating these dates isn’t just about the food – though a plate of slow-cooked jackfruit briyani is a compelling start. It’s about ensuring that “modernity” doesn’t become a synonym for “monoculture.” By honouring these traditions, we ensure Singapore remains a place where every spice in the pot is distinct, yet essential to the final flavour.
Ultimately, whether through briyani or morning prayer, these festivities remind us that while we move forward as a modern nation, we do so best when we carry the flavours of our past with us.
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