Baba David Bok shares the many panton composed by Baba Chan Eng Thai for the Chitty Melaka community.
Baba Chan Eng Thai has written many panton to mark significant events in the Chitty Melaka community. Here he presents a panton that he composed to Baba Ponno Kalastree, President, Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association at their Dinner and Dance on 4 May 2019. With them are members of the Chitty association and Guest-of-Honour, Madam Chang Hwee Nee, CEO of the National Heritage Board.
1. PANTON SAMBOTAN
Composed on 19 January 2008 to mark the formation of the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association.
Cincang Sini Sana Sama Pisau
Persatuan Baru Chitty Melaka,
Dunia Peranakan Takan Risau
Si Bulat Pagi Pagi Pergi Kota Melaka,
Ambek Ayer Perigi Cuchi Rambot,
Berpadu Semua Persatuan Mereka,
Hua Hee Betol Kompolan Chitty Kita Sambot!
With a knife he slashes here and there,
A new Association, the Chitty Melaka,
The Peranakan world will not be lonely!
Early in the morning, Bulat sets off for Melaka Town,
Well water she takes to wash her hair,
All our Associations, together we unite,
Truly, with gladness we welcome the Chittys!
*The late Baba Lee Kip Lee was the president of The Peranakan Association Singapore from 1996 to 2010.
2. PANTON MALAM CHITTY
Composed for Malam Chitty Melaka, organised by the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association on 15 May 2010 at Lagun Sari, Joo Chiat.
Ikan Tamban masak Pindang,
Malam ini bukan malam biasa,
Budaya Chetti sini di-pandang.
Enche Ban Kheng bunyi loceng,
Kumpul semua Nyonya Baba,
Ayer hangat dalam kam cheng,
Peranakan minum kongsi mewah!
Tamban fish cooked in Pindang,
Tonight is not an ordinary night,
Chetti Melaka’s culture here for us.
Mr Ban Kheng’s* clarion call,
Gather all the Nyonyas & Babas,
In the jar warm water aplenty,
Share together Peranakans united!
*The late Baba Peter Wee was the president of The Peranakan Association Singapore from 2010 to 2018.
3. PANTON CHITTY MELAKA
Composed for the Peranakan Indian Symposium organised by the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association on 4 October 2014 at the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Pisang mas putu tegar,
Dari Tamil tanah Nadu,
Chetti Melaka Kota Singa.
Intan berlian mas suasa,
Cukop halus Nyonya Baba,
Sambot budaya antarabansa,
Peranakan Chetti istimewa!
Bananas steamed fragrant rice,
Forebears from Tamil Nadu,
To Malacca & the Lion City.
Cut diamonds shades of gold,
Nyonya Baba most refined,
Blended cultures of East & West,
Peranakan Chetti truly unique!
4. PANTON TERIMA KASIH PRESIDENT HALIMAH
Composed in appreciation of Her Excellency President Halimah Yacob as a tribute from the Peranakan Indian (Chitty Melaka) Association Singapore on 6 September 2018.
Harum nya wangi tahan lama,
Sungguh sibok tapi datang ke-sini,
Terima kasih President Halimah!
Batik tulis dari Jawa,
Nyonya Chitty senyum ketawa,
Tidak kira bangsa satu jiwa,
Bersatu padu Singapura mewah!
Sweet smelling they always are,
However busy, yet you are here,
Thank You Madam President!
Javanese hand painted batiks,
Smiling, happy Chitty Nyonyas,
Regardless of race, One Soul,
United we are, a prosperous Singapore!