4 Workshops To Make A Date With

There may be fewer on-site festivities this Deepavali, but that just means that the events and activities have gone online – and are therefore now accessible to everyone! Check out these virtual workshops that promise to bring out the creator in you, be it the foodie, fashionista, or artist.

1. Traditional Indian Masterclass

Image credit: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-food-festival-will-be-on-a-roll-this-year

Here’s a mouth-watering piece of news! Culinary expert Chef S.R. Bala of X Empire Cuisine will be giving a FREE online masterclass as part of our Deepavali Gastronomy programme. A well-known champion of traditional Indian cuisine, he will show us how to whip up two authentic Indian dishes using traditional ingredients. Held live over Zoom, participants can ask questions throughout the interactive session. More details dropping soon!

Chef S.R. Bala has helmed two restaurants, and is a certified culinary judge under the World Association of Chef Societies. He is also the founder and President of the Indian Chefs and Culinary Association (ICCA), and holds the Guiness Record for Largest Curry in the World at a whopping 15.34 tonnes.

Traditional Indian Masterclass
When: 10 October 2020. 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Where: Sign up at LiSHA’s event page here!

2. Creating Rangoli and Kolam Together

Image credit: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rangoli-display-at-gardens-by-the-bay-sets-new-record-ahead-of-deepavali

Rangoli (also known as Kolam) is an eye-catching traditional Indian art that adorns the entryways and courtyards of homes during Deepavali and other celebratory festivals. Households sometimes even have their own designs that are passed down from one generation to the next, keeping the art form and tradition alive.

The beauty of Rangoli lies in its versatility – simple patterns work just as well as intricate ones! Create along our very own Singaporean Rangoli and Kolam master Vijaya Mohan, as she demonstrates the techniques, materials, and designs used in creating the ancient art of Rangoli. Learn how Rangoli and Kolam are different, and try making your own eye-catching piece to usher prosperity into your home this Deepavali!

Vijaya Mohan is a renowned international Rangoli and Kolam artist and has transformed this age-old tradition, spreading awareness about it all over the world. A trained art therapist and special educator, she has conducted hundreds of workshops, created over 8,000 Rangolis in museums, community centres and hotels, and counts Air Indian and British Airways as her past clients. She also holds the Guinness World Record for single-handedly painting the largest Rangoli in the world, amongst other records.

Creating Rangoli and Kolam Together
When: 17 October 2020. 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Sign up at LiSHA’s event page here!

3. Multicultural Cuisine Masterclass

Image credit: LiSHA

With our multicultural community, Singaporeans are really spoilt for choice when it comes to food. The only thing better than tucking into a delicious fusion dish is being able to make it yourself! Level up your cooking skills at our Multicultural Cuisine Masterclass and impress your family and friends this Deepavali.

Led by Chef Rajes of Gokul Restaurant and her three non-Indian mystery guests, we’ll whip up a special cross-cultural fusion dish – Hokkien mee paired with sambal belachan made with Indian spices. Chef Rajes will also take us through a live demonstration of Chettinaad Mutton Masala, a traditional Indian dish. After the Masterclass, show off your sumptuous creations in an online competition and win attractive prizes. Save the date and stay tuned for more details!

Multicultural Cuisine Masterclass
When: 31 October 2020. 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Where: Sign up at LiSHA’s event page here!

4. Art of Maruthani – Henna workshop

Image credit: www.pexels.com/@mehenditrainingcenter

We know it as Henna, but it also goes by the name Maruthani in Tamil and Mehendi in Hindi. An ancient art form that uses plant-based dyes to create patterns, Henna is traditionally applied on hands and feet during weddings and major celebrations. The designs are intricate, borrowing from florals, paisleys, mandalas and geometric shapes to create beautiful motifs.

During Deepavali, people often head down to shops to get their Henna done, but this year you can try your hand at doing up your own unique designs right from the comfort of home! In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of Henna and create your own simple yet attractive designs. The workshop is open to people from all races and walks of life, and will be followed by a Maruthani (Henna) competition where participants can showcase their creations via video. Winners stand to win attractive prizes!

Art of Maruthani – Henna Workshop
When: 7 November 2020. 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: Sign-up and link details to be released soon

If you’re attending a workshop at a friend’s place, or hosting a watch party in your own home, do remember to observe social distancing and health safety measures for and enjoyable and worry-free time!