Tour 1. The Harmony Trail – Major Systems of Beliefs and Festivals of Singapore
We are Singaporeans. We have a pink Identity Card. We carry a red passport bearing a state crest showing a lion and a tiger. By and large English is the language of administration, education, commerce and communication. Often the home-grown derivative “Singlish” is used. Yet we sing our National Anthem in Malay and make a pledge in for official languages. Our society is projected as a multiracial and multi-religious one.
If we are not to loose our bearings, we should preserve the cultural heritage of each of our communities, and uphold certain common values which capture the essence of being a Singaporean. This core values include placing society above self, upholding the family as the basic block of society, resolving major issues through consensus instead of contention, and stressing racial and religious tolerance and harmony.
The world is changing rapidly. But the factors which shape our country are still crucial to us today. Knowing history and being aware of the geography is a necessary first step. Beyond that, we need to use that knowledge to cultivate sensitivity to each other and avoid repeating past mistakes. We need to develop a perspective on the present in order to map out a direction for the future.
These very words play also a crucial part in ‘the big picture of Total Defence’ where everyone in Singapore has a part to play.
To bring these messages across we will be visiting the following sites:
- URA Gallery – the URA is the planner, consultant and implementer of Singapore’s success into the future taking into consideration the constrains faced. Participants will see how our Heritage areas are retained to reinforce the understanding of one’s roots and the nurturing of social and economic integration among races in Singapore.
- Silat Road Sikh Temple – one of the oldest and among the Sikh community very popular temple will introduce a minority group, easily identified but often not understood. In the light of”9/11” and other terror acts understanding one another becomes even more important to create peace and stability.
- Hajja Fatimah Mosque – not only very interesting when it comes to architecture but this mosque is the only mosque in Singapore named after a lady. The visit here will make you familiar with the religion, their customs and traditions and the traditions of Muslims in Singapore.
- Dragon Mountain Temple and Temple of 1000 Lights – Buddhism, Ancestral Worship and Chinese Temple Architecture and Symbolism vis-à-vis. Familiarize you with Chinese tradition and life-style which is intertwined with religious beliefs and practices.
- Sri Perumal Temple – Get to know the religion of the majority of Singapore Indians. Find out about the do’s and don’ts.
