Celebrating Chinese New Year @ Aljunied-Hougang Town

It was an entertaining and joy-filled weekend as residents of Aljunied-Hougang gathered at Kovan City and Serangoon North Village to begin their Chinese New Year celebrations countdown.

Together with the MPs for Aljunied GRC, Ms Sylvia Lim, Mr Low Thia Khiang, Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap, Mr Pritam Singh and Mr Chen Show Mao, and the MP for Hougang SMC, Mr Png Eng Huat; residents kick-started the festive season with ‘Celebrating Chinese New Year @ Aljunied-Hougang Town’ over 2 evenings.

The highlight for both evenings was the light-up ceremony graced by the MPs. At the cue of the emcee, residents and MPs counted down together and traditional chinese red lanterns lit up in the area as a mark of receiving the arrival of Chinese New Year. On behalf of the other MPs, Mr Chen Show Mao wished everyone a happy and prosperous New Year that will be filled with peace.  Noting that the upcoming lunar New Year would be the Year of the Snake, Ms Sylvia Lim said the snake is known to be an analytical creature that appreciated the finer things in life. She hopes that everyone would welcome the New Year with a renewed sense of purpose.

Aside from the light-up ceremony, residents of all ages and races were visibly excited as they indulged in the fringe activities organised.  Many residents were eager to have well-wishes beautifully handwritten by the calligrapher on bright red fans, and for the caricature artist to draw their portraits. Traditional Chinese candies, such as the Ding-Ding Candy and Dragon Beard with peanuts, were also given out courtesy of the Town Council.

Residents were also entertained with exciting performances. Three stunning young ladies played beautiful renditions of popular and well-loved Chinese New Year tunes on the Chinese flute and the Pi Pa. The mask-changing performer, otherwise commonly known as “Bian-Lian”, dazzled the audience with his quick reflexes. There was also a plate-spinning performance which showcased a brilliant display of flexibility and balancing skills of multiple spinning plates.

The grand finale of each evening was the appearance of the God of Fortune.  A train of children and even some adults followed him as he went round giving out golden chocolates and sweets. Perhaps, they were hoping to rub off a bit of good luck from the God of Fortune for the New Year ahead!

Judging from the wide smiles all round, the residents at Kovan City and Serangoon North Village enjoyed the celebrations, and were all ready to ring in the Year of the Snake.

Photo credit: Mr Chia Seng Rui and Mr Reeza Elias

Photos from Kovan City

Photos from Serangoon North Village