Largest Display of hand-coloured Happy Deepavali cards enters Singapore Book of Records

12000 ‘Thank you Singapore’ hand-painted Deepavali greeting cards were displayed at the launch of the – ‘Thank you Singapore and Happy Deepavali Greeting Cards’ event. 

An initiative by Vijaya Mohan, it aimed to support and thank the Singapore Government's leadership in the current pandemic. 

12000 ‘Thank you Singapore’ hand-painted Deepavali greeting cards that got into the Singaore Book of Records,  displayed. Photo: Connected to India
12000 ‘Thank you Singapore’ hand-painted Deepavali greeting cards that got into the Singaore Book of Records, displayed. Photo: Connected to India

Folks from all corners of Singapore, across races, genders and ages did their part from start to finish with about 50 organisations including University Womens Association Singapore (UWAS) participating enthusiastically. 

The objective of these cards was to thank our leaders, ministers, civil servants, grassroots and community leaders among others, who have managed to keep Singapore safe, strong and united in the face of a raging COVID-19 pandemic. 

Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association (LiSHA) chairman Rajakumar Chandra receives the certificate from the official record keeper for the Singapore Book of Records. Photo Courtesy: SingaRangoli
Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association (LiSHA) chairman Raja Kumar Chandra receives the certificate from the official record keeper for the Singapore Book of Records. Photo Courtesy: SingaRangoli 

The event was inaugurated by Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association (LiSHA) chairman Raja Kumar Chandra which was one of the participating organisations. 

Organised by Vijaya Mohan, Rotary Club of Novena, Singapore and  supported by  LISHA and Tekka Place, more than 12,000 cards were distributed to over 75 organisations as well as individuals to be coloured and returned for display at Tekka Place. 

Mr and Mrs Vijaya Mohan (centre) with the management committee members of the Singapore Malayalaee Association whose members coloured 6000 of the cards.  Photo Courtesy: SingaRangoli
Mr and Mrs Vijaya Mohan (centre) with the management committee members of the Singapore Malayalaee Association whose members coloured 6000 of the cards. Photo Courtesy: SingaRangoli

Singapore residents from all walks of life took part in this venture and the event has qualified for the Singapore Book of Records (SBOR).  

The official record keeper from the SBOR had a challenging time counting each of the cards hanging from floor to ceiling and spread out of the ground, inside and outside the rectangular structural frame set up in the atrium of the Tekka Place shopping mall. 

The official record keeper from the SBOR counted cards hanging from floor to ceiling and spread out of the ground the Tekka Place shopping mall. Photo Courtesy: SingaRangoli
The official record keeper from the SBOR counted cards hanging from floor to ceiling and spread out of the ground the Tekka Place shopping mall. Photo Courtesy: SingaRangoli

All participating organisations received a participating certificate at the event, after the official record keeper from SBOR verified the numbers. 

The cards were on display from 27 to 29 Nov 2020 at Tekka Place,in Serangoon Road.

Enthusiastic participant who distributed cards to many families herself coloured them with her family as all stayed home during the festive holidays and avoided the usual Deepavali visiting. Photo Courtesy: Uma Vijay.
Enthusiastic participant Uma Vijay distributed cards to many families and coloured them with her family as well, as all stayed home during the festive holidays and avoided the usual Deepavali visiting. Photo Courtesy: Uma Vijay. 

Due to Covid-19 pandemic safety rules the public could head to the venue to take photos but only with 5 people at a time, while abiding by the safe-distancing rules.