Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple will celebrate it’s 200th anniversary in 2027, with a year-long series of religious, cultural and heritage programmes.
Known as SMT 200, the celebration will honour the temple’s journey since it was founded in 1827, as well as the generations of devotees, volunteers, and community leaders who have contributed to it’s growth.
Located in Chinatown, the temple started as a simple wood-and-attap structure. Over the years, it became more than a worship place, it became a important centre of support for early migrant communities. The temple was officially known as a national monument on 6th July 1973.
A Year of Religious and Cultural Celebration
The celebration will begin in January 2027 during Pongal. Religious programmes will continue throughout the year to encourage greater spiritual participation among devotees and the wider community.
One of the main highlights will be a silver chariot procession which will travel across several Hindu temples in Singapore.
A mulit-site exhibition will also be held from February to December, featuring historical photographs, artefacts, and ceremonial items connected to the temple. The exhibition will be hosted at locations including the Indian Heritage Centre and public libraries.
A separate exhibition will take place at Sri Mariamman Temple from April to June. Both of the exhibition will be free to public.
Preserving 200 Years of Memories
A bilingual heritage publication ‘Amman’s Home, People’s Temple’, is also planned for the first quarter of 2027. Available in print and digital formats, the book will explore the stories of early migrants, generations of devotees, and the temple’s development alongside Singapore.
As the anniversary approaches, the temple is inviting the public to contribute historical photographs, wedding photographs and invitations connected to the temple, festival objects and other keepsakes.
Selected item may be part of the SMT 200 Community Archive, which helps to preserve personal stories related to the temple for future generations. Contributions can be submitted until 30th September 2026.
Sources: The Straits Times
