Bhangra goes to the Singapore heartland!

A sold-out crowd of 500 people were treated to a kaleidoscope of vibrancy and colour through invigorating Bhangra performances at a cultural show on 14 November 2010.

Organised by YSA and the Nee Soon South Indian Activities Executive Committee, the three-hour dance extravaganza in Yishun saw performances by top Bhangra dance teams Kohinoor Bhangra Group, Bhangre De Sitare, SherePunjab Bhangra, Federal Bhangra Inc, Joshiley Bhangra Group and Yaar Panjaab Phangra Troupe.

In addition, non-Bhangra groups Atrika Dance Company, Bharathaa Arts and Rameshwara Dancers added further colour to the occasion with their lively and pulsating performances.

Er Lee Bee Wah, Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC and Adviser to Ang Mo Kio Grassroots Organisations, graced the event as Guest-of-Honour while Mr Inderjit Singh, Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC, was the Special Guest. The other guests included members of the Sikh and non-Sikh communities, who thoroughly enjoyed the performances.

In her address, Ms Lee stated that, “Such cultural events contribute significantly to Singapore’s flourishing arts and culture scene. Over the past decade or so, Singapore has made much progress in the arts and cultural fronts. In our endeavour to transform ourselves into a global city for the arts, the government has invested heavily by putting in place key arts and cultural venues and other supporting infrastructures. However, ‘hardware’ alone is not sufficient. We need to continue to develop the ‘software’ aspects. I am heartened that the government’s efforts are well complemented by that of the Indian community.”

She went to say, “Each ethnic community in Singapore has to constantly develop innovative strategies to preserve its culture and heritage, given that the younger generation is exposed to alternative cultures and value systems. The process extends beyond each community. We need to provide opportunities for the various communities to appreciate each other’s cultures and heritage and strengthen inter ethnic bonds. Today’s event provides the opportunity for artists from the Indian and non-Indian communities to come forward to showcase their talents. At the same time, it will help develop greater camaraderie between peoples of different cultures and ethnicities, backgrounds.”

Mr Hernaikh Singh, President, YSA, shared that, “The event saw Sikh Bhangra groups and non-Sikh dancers coming together in a show of unity in diversity. I believe this is a great way to spread the message of Singaporeans being part of the same social fabric. In this way, we show interest in one another’s cultures and that we are able to live harmoniouslywith each other. The idea of the event was grand in its scope and vision.”

It was also indeed a beautiful and fitting way to mark Diwali, the festival of lights, and Bandhi Chhor Divas, a day of liberation marked in particular by the Sikhs, both of which were celebrated the weekend before.