Five things to do over the weekend of Mar 17-18

The spring season is here, and while it's summer all year round in Singapore, there are various celebrations and exhibitions held across the island to celebrate the arrival of spring. 

Beginning with Holi Hai and Holi Manjari at the Esplanade theatres, join local musicians and dancers for a colourful weekend! SIFAS' unique dance production Prakriti Vikriti is a conglomeration of Bharata Naytyam, Kathak and Kuchipudi – with ragas set in both Hindustani and Carnatic styles. 

1. Holi Hai

Photo courtesy: Esplanade
Photo courtesy: Esplanade

Holi Hai is a one-night musical program in celebration of the Festival of Colours, Holi.

Amit Dhamelia and his band perform a night of spirited and rich Indian music steeped in tradition, showcasing a blend of Indian classical, folk and Bollywood genres. Amit is a seasoned vocalist, music arranger, lyricist and composer. He is also proficient in 14 musical instruments.

When: Mar 17
Where: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre
Entry: Free

2. Holi Manjari

Photo courtesy: Esplanade
Photo courtesy: Esplanade

Holi, the festival of colours, spring, love and good vs evil, takes place every spring, the season known as basanth rithu. During this period, plants and trees blossom, and their lovely fragrance fills the air.

The festival is an ancient celebration that draws on the legend of Krishna and Radha. It is said that Krishna was in love with her, but was self-conscious about their difference in skin colour. His mother Yashoda suggested that he could change Radha’s complexion to any colour he wanted with coloured paint, and so he playfully did that to her. Ever since, the playful colouring of her face has been commemorated as Holi. It is believed that lovers celebrate Holi in this tradition.

This performance captures the range of emotions evoked in Krishna and Radha’s story through kathak and odissi dance.

When: Mar 18
Where: Esplanade Concourse
Entry: Free

3. Prakriti Vikriti: Nature's nature

Photo courtesy: Esplanade
Photo courtesy: Esplanade

SIFAS proudly presents Prakriti Vikriti a unique dance production representing the phenomena of Nature. 

Prakriti Vikriti is a conglomeration of three Indian Classical Dance forms, Bharata Naytyam, Kathak and Kuchipudi, and the choreography is set to poetry from ancient Tamil and Sanskrit literatures as well as lyrics in Hindi and Telugu. Ragas set in both Hindustani and Carnatic styles, depict each season and the production combines dance and music as it invokes and explores nature’s nature.

Produced by the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society with Esplanade as a Venue Partner, Prakriti Vikrit is a poetic lyrical dance saga man the elements of nature.

When: Mar 17-18
Where: Esplanade Theatre
Entry: S$30 

4. Singapore Improv Festival 

Photo courtesy: Singapore Improv Festival FB
Photo courtesy: Singapore Improv Festival FB

Improv is live theatre without a script.

Actors create the plot, characters, and dialogue in the moment – it's completely spontaneous! With your suggestions as inspiration, each show will be totally unique, guaranteeing a show you've never seen before.

When: Mar 17-18
Where: Aliwal Arts Centre 
Entry: S$38-170

5. Sakura Matsuri

Photo courtesy: Gardens by the Bay
Photo courtesy: Gardens by the Bay

The beauty of cherry blossoms returns to Singapore with Flower Dome’s annual sakura floral display.

Experience once more the robust pink blooms of Prunus ‘Accolade’, the romantic weeping form of Prunus ‘Snow Fountain’ and the classic white flowers of Prunus yeodensis. Stroll along cherry blossom-lined pathways and discover picturesque Japanese-themed elements like a tea house, rickshaw and torii gates.

When: Mar 17-18
Where: Gardens by the Bay
Entry: S$12-28