Every eve of the Lunar New Year, we are reminded of the old Chinatown when the now sanitised streets and the annual festive bazaar that comes up in the lead up to the New Year, comes alive. Chinatown is at its most atmospheric then as crowds throng its streets in search of festive goods being disposed off at a bargain – much like it was in the days of old. The eve also sees Taoist temples getting ready for the crowds – it is customary for Chinese of the Taoist faith to visit the temple in the early hours of the New Year to offer respects to the deities. One temple that gets busy is the oldest Hokkien temple, the Thian Hock Keng, where festivities this year were accompanied by Hokkien marionette puppet shows and stilt walkers – part of a series of events for the Lunar New Year that will also see a getai held on 15 February. The temple is also holding a series of guided tours during the period, more information on which can be found at http://www.thianhockkeng.com.sg/events_2016_cny.html.
Crowds on the streets of Chinatown late on the eve of Chinese New Year in search of a bargain.
Monkeys were everywhere.
The Sri Mariamman hindu temple.
Stilt walkers outside the Thian Hock Keng.
The Singapore Yu Huang Gong.
The puppet show stage at the Thian Hock Keng.
Calligraphy.
A puppeteer in action.
The Long and Winding Road 
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