Free weekend admission at Indian Heritage Centre's Deepavali Open House

Adding to Little India's vibrant display of festive colours and lights, the Indian Heritage Centre's (IHC) annual Deepavali Open House returns this year, offering free admission for all visitors on Saturdays and Sundays from Oct 17 to Nov 8.

In addition to free weekend admission, IHC will extend its operating hours until 8pm on Saturdays throughout the Open House period.

Admission is usually free for Singaporeans and PRs, with a fee of either $8 or $10 for foreigners and tourists. These fees will be waived for all visitors on weekends during the Open House period.

This year's edition, themed House of Memories, draws on familiar Deepavali traditions, settings and experiences that have been passed down through generations. Through nostalgic displays and community stories, visitors can revisit memories of celebrating the Festival of Lights in Singapore.

The centre's Level 1 Lobby features an Heirloom Saree Display showcasing three community-contributed sarees, highlighting the personal family stories behind these cherished garments and how they have been preserved and passed down through generations.

The first floor also features Yesteryear Images, a photo exhibition and digital showcase presenting archival Deepavali photographs from different generations.

As guests head up to the second level, they will be greeted by a Mini Deepavali Expo, as IHC recreates the atmosphere of a festive bazaar indoors complete with traditional beauty products, handcrafted items and sarees.

Throwback fun through interactive activities

For yet another dose of nostalgia, visitors can step into a vintage photo booth, inspired by retro Deepavali portraits.

The photo booth is paired with a dress-up station where guests can try dressing in traditional attire before posing for keepsake photographs reminiscent of yesteryear Deepavali celebrations.

The centre will also feature other interactive booths where visitors can try their hand at DIY Mini Mithai (sweet) Box decorating, Clay Brooch Painting featuring peacock motifs, a vintage Deepavali postcard-writing station and a quiz where participants can redeem limited-edition Deepavali money packets.

On selected days, visitors can also enjoy live music and dance performances at IHC and along Campbell Lane, including showcases by precinct partners Gayathri Dance Academy and AKT.

IHC will also offer ticketed workshops, including Indian miniature painting sessions and Biryani Stories culinary masterclasses exploring North and South Indian biryani traditions.

More information on programmes and timings is available on IHC's website and social media pages.

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swetha.sundararajan@asiaone.com

为了给小印度充满活力的节日色彩和灯光增添更多色彩，印度遗产中心 (IHC) 一年一度的排灯节开放日活动今年回归，从 10 月 17 日至 11 月 8 日，每周六和周日，所有游客均可免费入场。

除了周末免费入场外，IHC 还将在开放日期间的每个星期六延长营业时间至晚上 8 点。

新加坡公民和永久居民通常可免费入场，外国人及游客需支付8新元或10新元的费用。开放日期间，所有游客在周末均可免除门票费用。

今年的屠妖节以“记忆之家”为主题，汲取了代代相传的熟悉的屠妖节传统、场景和体验。通过充满怀旧气息的展览和社区故事，参观者可以重温在新加坡庆祝灯节的美好回忆。

中心一楼大厅设有传家宝纱丽展示区，展出了三件由社区捐赠的纱丽，重点讲述了这些珍贵服装背后的家庭故事，以及它们是如何被保存并代代相传的。

一楼还设有“往昔影像”摄影展和数字展示厅，展出不同世代的排灯节档案照片。

当宾客们来到二楼时，他们会看到一个迷你排灯节博览会，IHC 在室内重现了节日集市的氛围，里面摆满了传统美容产品、手工制品和纱丽。

通过互动活动重温旧时光

如果想要感受更多怀旧气息，游客可以走进一个复古照相亭，其设计灵感来源于复古的排灯节肖像照。

照相亭旁边设有换装站，客人可以在这里试穿传统服饰，然后摆姿势拍摄纪念照片，重温往昔的排灯节庆祝活动。

该中心还将设有其他互动展位，参观者可以在这里尝试 DIY 迷你甜点盒装饰、孔雀图案粘土胸针绘画、复古排灯节明信片书写站以及问答游戏，参与者可以兑换限量版排灯节红包。

在特定日期，游客还可以在 IHC 和坎贝尔巷欣赏现场音乐和舞蹈表演，包括由该区域合作伙伴 Gayathri 舞蹈学院和 AKT 带来的表演。

IHC还将提供售票工作坊，包括印度细密画课程和探索印度南北比尔亚尼传统的比尔亚尼故事烹饪大师班。

有关节目和时间安排的更多信息，请访问 IHC 的网站和社交媒体页面。

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swetha.sundararajan@asiaone.com