Sita J in Concert - Chanting for the Divine

I have always wanted to see more enlightening programming in temples. Temples have typically been deeply conservative catering solely to the tastes of their Indian congregation. And this often translates into inviting singers and artists from India to perform. This insular approach to programming is deeply problematic at two levels. Firstly it alienates newcomers to Hinduism who are yearning to partake in performances and rituals. Secondly it marginalizes local Indian classical artists many of whom do not have the luxury of pursuing a full time artistic career in Singapore.

I believe that it is also critical to have temple events that more accurately reflects an evolving global identity and the cross-pollination of cultures. Singapore is one of the greatest melting pots in the world with a strong local population of Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians. Today it is also filled with many foreigners who are here on short term basis. Many of them wish to partake of our local culture, heritage and sacred spaces in a more immersive and authentic ways. To respond to this need I recently brought in an artist from the US who is an accomplished chanter in the Hindu tradition. I also invited a Chinese Singapore tabla player, Govin Tan, to accompany her. And my guest list included many folks who had never stepped into a temple to experience some of our sacred arts. And many of them were tremendously excited and grateful for this opportunity.

Sita Jameison and Govin Tan broke new grounds when they led a night of chants at a Singapore temple on Sunday, 11 Jan. A woman of Irish descent who has been chanting for over 20 years Sita was bhakti in action. Her deep devotion to Shiva and the spiritually infused performance at the Shiva temple in Singapore was superbly received. Her uninhibited chanting and her infectious energy got the entire crowd chanting along. It was a powerful powerful night.

The audience was an interesting mix of graduate art students from the local university, foreign construction workers, non-Indian Singaporeans/expats and local temple devotees. Any notion that Indians have a monopoly on Indian arts was firmly shattered by both Sita and Govin. In fact these artists brought a fresh interpretation to sacred arts - with their passionate showmanship and mastery over their respective crafts. More importantly both Sita and Govin had great chemistry and a prayerful attitude towards each other stripped of any trace of vanity or insecurity. It was a beautiful combination where both exhibited great reverence to each other and their instruments.

The show also challenged current conventions on "suitable" programming in the temples. Hopefully there will be more such events in the temples that are designed to make the temple more accessible to non-Indian artists, spiritualists as well as anthropologists and the culturally curious. People feel inspired and energized when they see someone from another race or faith achieve this level of mastery in an adopted culture. It gives hope and opens up all sorts of possibility in people's mind. This is also powerful way to share ancient cultures and spiritual wisdom and promote interfaith dialogue.