Racial Harmony Day 2024

On the vibrant morning of 19 July, Victoria Junior College celebrated Racial Harmony Day, with this year's theme being weddings, to draw students attention to the various types of weddings across the different cultures. Racial Harmony Day holds special significance in Singapore, a symbol of the nation's commitment to racial and religious unity. At Victoria Junior College, this day is a celebration of the rich cultures that define Singaporean. The ceremony started off with a blast, the highlight of the day being the 'Wedding of Cultures' ceremony which symbolised the unity of different ethnicities and cultures. Students took on roles as brides, grooms, and wedding party members,  representing different ethnicities. The ceremonies were conducted in accordance with various cultural traditions, showcasing the unique customs and rituals of Singapore’s diverse communities, Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian. 

Traditional marriages from Singapore’s main racial groups.  Photographed by Kabir Vasudevan from VJC Photography Society.

One of the most mesmerising moments was when students performed traditional dances and music from different cultures. The rhythmic beats of the Malay Kompang, the graceful movements of Chinese fan dances, the vibrant colours of Indian classical dance, and the elegant waltzes of Eurasian heritage filled the air, captivating everyone present and highlighting the beauty of Singapore’s multicultural landscape. 

After the weekend break, students returned to school on 22 July, Monday, eagerly anticipating the second segment of the racial harmony day celebrations. Booths were set up in the canteen and students were able to feast on a delicious array of rich singaporean dishes. They consisted of the different foods of the cultures, which showcased the rich flavours and culinary delights of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian cuisines. As the day came to a close, students were left with a renewed sense of pride in their cultural heritage and a deeper appreciation for the cultural landscape that makes Singapore unique. The wedding ceremonies and the booths that were set up were extremely memorable and served as a testament to the school’s ongoing commitment to promoting racial harmony and celebrating diversity. 

RHD Performances, Photographed by Kabir Vasudevan from VJC Photography Society