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Hospitality is the theme of the Indian Heritage Centre’s (IHC) Indian New Year open house this year, with the Banana Leaf Meal Etiquette Workshop the highlight of the festivities.
The centre, dedicated to promoting greater public awareness and appreciation of Indian heritage, arts and culture, has come up with an exciting line-up of immersive dining experiences, craft workshops and performances that will on April 13 and 14 highlight the celebratory traditions and practices of the different Indian communities.
The Indian New Year goes by different names across India: Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Baisakhi in Punjab, Bohag Bihu in Assam, Vishu in Kerala, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Goa, Nababarsa in Odisha and Poila Boishakh in Bengal.
It symbolises a fresh beginning with the start of the agricultural cycle.
In South India, visitors to homes are served an elaborately cooked vegetarian meal on a banana leaf.
The IHC will lay out this experience on April 14 when the food served has to be eaten with the hand. Facilitators will reveal the significance of each dish and give directions on the order in which they should be consumed.
“The banana leaf is rich in medical values,” said Ms Joyce Kingsly, an etiquette and image consultant and one of the facilitators. “It is hygienic, promotes digestion and is rich in antioxidants. It actually enhances the food’s quality and makes it more delicious.”
The Kerala version of the meal, called sadhya, has about 30 dishes. This will also be available for the public to experience at the IHC on April 13 and 14.
Visitors can also learn the techniques and secrets behind the ancient craft of Kerala mural art in a masterclass led by renowned artist Manikandan Punnakkal.
These programmes complement IHC’s latest special exhibition, Ente Veedu, My Home: Malayalees in Singapore, which runs until Sept 15.
Visitors can also step into the intricate world of pichwai paintings through a workshop that pays homage to the traditional art form that originated more than 400 years ago in Rajasthan.
Other programmes include craft activities, live performances, as well as free henna drawings and snacks.
Registration is required for selected programmes at https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com
Admission to IHC is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents.
For more information, visit http://indianheritage.org.sg or IHC’s Facebook and Instagram page.
“The banana leaf is rich in medical values. It actually enhances the food’s quality and makes it more delicious.”
