Visitors took selfies, watched performances and kept a lookout for the President amid a host of activities at the Istana open house in celebration of Deepavali yesterday.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam and his wife, Mrs Mary Tan, joined in the festivities as they met visitors and caught performances. President Tan also signed autographs on the ukuleles of performers from Bishan North and touched a royal python that was part of a display set up by Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

Besides the performances, visitors were entertained by activities such as balloon sculpting and face-painting. Some went on guided tours of selected rooms in the Istana's main building, while others joined a nature tour of the Istana's flora and fauna.

Visitors also explored the grounds using the Istana Garden Walk mobile app, which includes a trail covering 10 types of beautiful plants.

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