In Singapore, on the Fifth Day of the Lunar New Year 2026 | Over 200 Xinghua Natives Gather at the Singapore Putian Building to Celebrate Community and Heritage

Event News / By

“No matter how wonderful life may be elsewhere, nothing compares to the warmth of a familiar voice from home.” In Singapore, a Lunar New Year gathering infused with nostalgia and joy for the Hinghwa community drew to a heartfelt close on the fifth day of the new year, marking the occasion with all the festive flair and ritual befitting the season.

Jointly organised by the Singapore Putian Association, Xing An Mazu Temple, Licheng Club, and the Singapore Puxian (Hinghwa) Network, the celebration brought together more than 200 Hinghwa natives living in Singapore. Across 25 fully occupied banquet tables, the atmosphere was alive with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable spirit of home.

The occasion was further elevated by the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Yang Gang, Minister-Counsellor and Consul at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore, and Mr. Cai Shandi, Cultural Counsellor, alongside the presidents and council members of the four organising associations. Their cordial exchanges and festive greetings lent the evening a deeply personal touch—more akin to a New Year visit among family  —leaving many with a strong sense of connection and shared belonging.

The event itself was a vibrant showcase of culture and community.

A thoughtfully designed photo area became a popular highlight, as attendees eagerly captured moments of reunion and celebration. Meanwhile, more than 200 participants took part in the traditional lo hei prosperity toss, with chopsticks in motion and well-wishes in the air, creating a lively and auspicious spectacle.

Adding to the cultural richness was a live performance of the traditional Putian Shiyin Bayue (Ten Tones and Eight Melodies), an intangible cultural heritage art form. Each note carried echoes of Xinghua’s cultural roots, resonating deeply with the audience.

One of the most stirring moments came when Vice President Mr. Chen Jinyong led the crowd in a spirited recitation of the classic Putian “Hanzan verses.” The rhythmic chants, filled with heartfelt blessings, rang out powerfully across the hall, lifting the atmosphere to its peak.

Interactive games added a playful dimension to the evening, breaking down barriers and sparking laughter as attendees bonded through shared experiences. The energy continued to build with dynamic dragon and lion dance performances—complete with the thunder of drums and cymbals—symbolising prosperity and good fortune for the year ahead.

 

Beyond the festivities, the gathering carried deeper meaning. For many Hinghwa natives in Singapore, it was a chance to momentarily set aside the fatigue of life abroad and reconnect with a sense of home. Through cultural expressions such as Shiyin Bayue and Hanzan verses, the event strengthened communal ties, fostered closer connections, and reinforced a shared identity—captured in the enduring sentiment: “Wherever we are in the world, Hinghwa is one family.”

The organisers also extended their heartfelt appreciation to the event’s generous sponsors:

  • Beer: Mr. Zhang Zhijian

  • Mandarin orange gift packs: Mr. Zhou Jiameng

  • Yu Sheng: Mr. Chen Jinyong, Mr. Huang Yong

  • Mandarin oranges: Ms. Catherine Yao

  • Event signage: Mr. Alex Li Qingrui

  • Lion dance performance: Mr. Guan Qionglin

  • Red packets: Mr. Huang Weihong, Mr. Fang Renfa

Their contributions played a vital role in making the celebration both memorable and meaningful.

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