Students of an Indian school here made a rangoli stretching 133.4 metre, representing the ethnic elements of various communities in Singapore at a
carnival for cultural exchange marking India's Independence Day.
Global Indian International School's (GIIS) Spriti of India Carnival for Integration, held here in conjunction with the Independence Day saw students from GIIS drawing a rangoli, an colourful art pattern, to instill better understanding of each other's cultures among students.
The rangoli featured a variety of ethnic elements representative of the various communities living in Singapore -- Chinese, Malay and Indian -- and had of portrayal of musical instruments, ethnic costumes, Singapore emblems,
flowers and dance forms.
The rangoli preparations started at 8.30 am and the Deputy High Commissioner of India to Singapore, Tsewang Namgyal officiated at the carnival and put a final touch to the rangoli at 12.30 pm. The organisers said the pattern was
the longest rangoli.
GIIS chairman Atul Temurnikar said: "The Spirit of India Carnival for Integration allows us to foster a greater cohesive spirit between our students of various diverse cultures with the Singapore community".
The activities have been planned to promote a dynamic cultural exchange, showcasing the multi-racial, multi-cultural facets of Singapore and India's rich cultures and traditions to both our students and the Singaporean population, he said.
Other highlights of the Carnival included a vibrant line-up of multi-ethnic cultural performances, exhilarating musical performances and sampling of an array of delectable Indian cuisines prepared by students and their parents.
The Sprit of India Carnival of Integration is one of the many activities that GIIS hosts to promote and celebrate cultural diversity and harmony in Singapore, said Temurnikar.
The GIIS was started in September 2002 by the Global Indian Foundation.