The Straits Times - Starting Tamil new year by honouring the gods
14 April 2008
President S R Nathan sprinkling leaves at the feet of Lord Siva and his wife Parvathi in a procession to celebrate the Tamil New Year yesterday at the Sri Arasakesari Sivan Temple in Sungei Kadut. President Nathan was the guest of honour at the celebration.
Devotees marked the occasion by offering prayers at temples, asking for a prosperous year ahead.
CELEBRATING SIKH FESTIVAL WITH CRAFT AND CULTURE
Almost 5,000 Sikhs came together yesterday to worship at the Central Sikh Temple in Towner Road ahead of Vesakhi today.
The day marks the Indian harvest festival and is the anniversary of the first initiation of Sikhs into a way of life that includes wearing a steel bracelet and unshorn hair.
The guest of honour for the occasion, Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, said the community had grown with immigration and was showing a strong presence here. Community leaders estimate the Sikh population here to be about 17,000.
Mr Tharman said he would look into requests for new facilities for the growing community. These include a place to bathe the deceased and a harmony centre within temple grounds.
