Talk: Introduction to Nine Emperor Gods Festival

5 Apr 2025

Esplanade Recital Studio

1hr (No Intermission)

Free, registration is required Priority Registration for Esplanade&Me members: 20 Mar 2025, Thu, 10am Public Registration: 25 Mar 2025, Tue, 10am

This event is over.

Synopsis

The Nine Emperor Gods Festival is a major Taoist religious celebration for the Chinese diaspora in Southeast Asia. Held over the first nine days of the ninth lunar month, devotees practise abstinence and vegetarianism for ritual purification, welcoming the Nine Emperor Gods who are believed to arrive in the mortal world via coastal waters. Followers then carry the deities aboard grand palanquins in procession—one of the signature sights of the festival—kicking off a series of prayers, ceremonies and festivities.

Before experiencing a re-creation of the processions and cultural showcases at Festivities of the Nine Emperor Gods, join Dr Koh Keng We and Dr Lin Chia-Tsun as they share about the local histories and cultural practices related to the festival. Learn more about the significance and symbolism found in the celebrations.

Advisory

Patrons who have registered will have priority entry to the venue.
Patrons who have registered must arrive 5 mins before the start of the event to guarantee your admission.
Patrons who have registered but are not at the venue 5 mins before the start will have their seats released to walk-in patrons on a first-come, first-served basis.
Limited seats are available at the door.
If you are unable to join us, you may pass the e-ticket to someone else or return your tickets via the link on your SISTIC confirmation email.

Admission Age

6 and above.

Language

English

Date & Time

Time

Venue

Info

Access Needs

Time5:00 PM

VenueEsplanade Recital Studio

Info—

Access Needs

Our Sponsors

Advisory

Patrons who have registered will have priority entry to the venue.
Patrons who have registered must arrive 5 mins before the start of the event to guarantee your admission.
Patrons who have registered but are not at the venue 5 mins before the start will have their seats released to walk-in patrons on a first-come, first-served basis.
Limited seats are available at the door.
If you are unable to join us, you may pass the e-ticket to someone else or return your tickets via the link on your SISTIC confirmation email.

Admission Age

6 and above.

Language

English

Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a performance is cancelled or postponed?

When a show is cancelled, ticket buyers will be duly notified by the event organiser primarily via email. You may also be notified through the event organiser's authorised ticketing agent, media or any other applicable communication channels. Information will be provided on where and when you can get your refund. For postponed performances for which the date of the new performance is known, refunds are optional.

For free programmes, any cancellations or postponements will be updated on the event website and/or relevant official communication channels. As no tickets are issued, refunds do not apply.

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Can I take photos or record a video during a performance?

For indoor performances, photography and video recording are generally not allowed during the show unless stated otherwise by the promoters or artists.

For performances at public spaces, such as those at the Concourse and DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre, photography and casual video recording are generally allowed for personal use. Please be mindful not to use flash, obstruct others, or disrupt the performance. Some programmes may still restrict recording based on artist requirements, so please follow on-site announcements or staff instructions.

Do I have to purchase a ticket for my child

Can I eat or drink during the show?

Generally, food and drinks are not permitted inside the venue. It depends on the venue as well. For some shows, you may bring food and drinks purchased at the foyer bars at the Concert Hall or Theatre into the venues. For shows at the Annexe Studio, where there is a bar in the venue, eating or drinking is no issue.

For outdoor programmes, food and drinks are typically allowed unless otherwise stated. However, we encourage audiences to be mindful of the performance environment and dispose of waste responsibly. Restrictions may apply depending on the specific event setup, so please refer to the event listing for details.

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