The consecration ceremonyof a Hindu temple in Singapore saw racial and religious harmony in practice when several groups chipped in to ensure smooth running of the event that was attended by 20,000 devotees, according to a media report.
The Church of the Ascension, located near the temple, held its Sunday service on Saturday evening and made available its carpark for use of emergency services, including ambulance and police.
A coffee shop stopped sale of alcohol as a respect to the Sri Siva Durga temple consecration ceremony in its neighbourhood while volunteers from the Mahakaruna Buddhist Society distributed breakfast, water and soft-drinks to the devotees, The Straits Times reported.
"A typical showcase of what racial and religious harmony in Singapore means," said Home Affairs and Law Minister K Shanmugam, who attended the ceremony.
"This is racial and religious harmony in practice. It's very hard won over 50 years," said Shanmugam of the multi- racial Singapore which last year held grand celebration for 50 years of independence.
"It is something to be cherished," he added.
The temple in suburb housing estate of Potong Pasir celebrated SGD 2.7 million renovation.
After two-year of rebuilt, the temple has increased capacity to host 500 worshipers from 300 previously.
Devotees watched priests sprinkle holy waters on the temple's roof-top kalasams, a vessel-like pinnacles that point to the sky.
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