Many give a rousing welcome to the colourful pageantry.
An air of anticipation and a festive mood gripped Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, hours before the Chingay floats were due to arrive. Residents of all ages and races slowly gathered along the route to be taken by the floats within the GRC.
Indeed this was one event which required no invitation to draw the crowds. By the time the convoys of colourfully illuminated floats arrived, the route was packed with residents, ranging from seniors to young families with young children, eager to catch a glimpse of the floats.
The kick-off was a rousing affair with live firing of fire crackers to the delight of hundreds of residents both young and old. The Chingay floats were launched at Bishan Community Club in Bishan Street 13 by Grassroots Advisers of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC GROs, namely Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence, Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State for Health, and Communications & Information, Mr Chong Kee Hiong and Mr Saktiandi Supaat.
Much to the delight of residents, there were game stalls, food and musical performances to give added flavour to the evening’s festivities at strategic locations along the route. From cameras to smart phones, residents clicked and recorded the spectacular floats, revelling in the pomp of the Chingay parade with the streets bathed in a kaleidoscope of bright colourful lights.
The first Chingay parade in 1973 was mooted by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew who was then Prime Minister and also the Chairman of the People’s Association (PA). The noise and gaiety of the parade would help drive away evil spirits, just as firecrackers were previously set of]c to drive away evil.
This year’s GRC Chingay parade was organised by Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Citizens’ Consultative Committees, and supported by People’s Association, Central Singapore Community Development Council and Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council.
– This article first appeared in a newsletter for Bishan-Toa Payoh residents
