Our Tradition, Our Mid-Autumn

One of the loveliest and most celebrated cultural festivals in Singapore, the Mid-Autumn Festival traditionally brings families together to celebrate the harvest under a full moon. While the celebration for harvest may no longer be a key theme these days, it is very much still a joyful reunion with loved ones.

Whilst the COVID-19 outbreak may have softened the celebratory tone of the occasion, KWSH earnestly carried on with its long-established tradition of decorating our iconic Pavilion Garden and premises with beautiful lanterns and other dazzling festive displays, with more than 500 lanterns adopted by our generous donors lighting up the entire compound.

This year, the highlight was the ceremonial light-up by KWSH Chairman, Mr Patrick Lee, on 11 September. As the lights came on at the lobby at Block A, KWSH’s façade building, several specially curated panels came into view, showcasing KWSH’s past Mid-Autumn celebrations – where one will marvel at our array of lanterns over the decade as well as highlights of our celebratory activities and entertainment spun over the years.

Following on, Chairman Patrick Lee, along with KWSH’s Fundraising Committee Chairman, Mr William Leong, was then invited to join in our festive tradition – the Lotus Pond, where well wishes were set sail on the beautiful lotuses, symbolizing that wishes would be heard and granted.

Taking a stroll around the brightly-lit spectacle that KWSH was transformed into, one would not miss the 15 huge Kong Ming lanterns (sky lanterns) adopted by the donors. While it was regrettable that we were unable to welcome donors to our premises in view of the current pandemic situation, Mr Lee and Mr Leong were on hand to release the sky lanterns on behalf of the donors. Each year, the crowning moment was always when the sky lanterns were released skyward, ushering in a good year ahead and fortunes in return. Proudly ascended into the sky, these lanterns carried words of blessings and well-wishes of the donors.

After the ceremonial part of the night’s programme, it was our residents’ turn to soak into the glow and glitter of our joyous Mid-Autumn atmosphere. It always never failed to bring on a smile as the elderly gaped in awe as they toured the Pavilion Garden with their lanterns in hand and made wishes at the lotus pond.

It was a memorable night as everyone’s spirit was lifted, especially so for the residents, amidst the pandemic and with safe management measures put in place to ensure the well-being of all. We are grateful to all our generous donors who continued to extend their support during this challenging time. Not forgetting our dedicated volunteers who toiled tirelessly in fabricating, designing and putting up decorations despite challenges presented by tightened pandemic restrictions. As the rays of light continue to radiate through the many lanterns as they glow through the coming nights, here’s wishing everyone a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!