National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who is also adviser to Sembawang grassroots organisations, tucked into a vegetarian feast with about 200 Sembawang residents in a Vishu celebration held on Sunday at Sembawang Community Centre.

Vishu marks the first day of the new year of the Malayalees, an ethnic group from South India. The event was organised by the Sembawang CC Indian Activity Executive Committee and supported by the Indian Cultural Association.

As part of the festivities, there were also Indian cultural dance performances, including Kathak, Odissi and Bhangra, by various Indian ethnic groups.

Mr G. Selvaraj, chairman of the Sembawang CC Indian Activity Executive Committee, said: "We believe that such events provide a platform for the various ethnic Indian groups in our community to understand each other's traditions and customs better."