The vibrant colours, sounds and flavours of the Himalayas came alive at the NTUC One Marina Boulevard Auditorium as the Uttarakhand Association of Singapore (UASG) hosted Kauthig 2025 – Uttarakhandi Sanskritik Samaroh on Aug 24.
The annual celebration once again proved to be a bridge between Devbhoomi (a Hindi term that translates to “Land of Gods” and is a popular moniker for Uttarakhand) and the diaspora, drawing over 300 families in a spirited display of culture, music, and community.
This year’s Kauthig was marked by grand cultural performances, including those by noted musicians Khushi Joshi and Saurav Maithani, that transported audiences to the valleys and villages of Uttarakhand.
Local community artistes and guest performers from the state mesmerised with soulful folk songs, graceful traditional dances, and drama skits rooted in heritage.
Equally memorable was the culinary spread, as chefs from the Anglo-Indian restaurant curated a menu of authentic Uttarakhandi delicacies, evoking nostalgia with every bite.
Beyond food and music, the event reflected a spirit of collaboration, with organisations like the Bengali Association Singapore, Kairalee Kala Nilayam, and BiJhar Singapore joining hands to celebrate alongside honoured guests from the Indian High Commission.
The Guest of Honour, Mr Arvind Srivastava from the Indian High Commission, lauded the efforts of UASG in keeping traditions alive overseas. “Passing cultural values to the younger generation is vital. Celebrations like Kauthig strengthen identity and belonging while fostering connections across communities,” he said.
UASG president Harish Pant called the festival more than just an event. “Kauthig is our bridge to Devbhoomi. Each year we come together, we carry forward our identity, strengthen our bonds, and make sure our children feel proud of their roots.”
Adding to the occasion, Mrs Atima Joshi, an experienced educator who has held various leadership positions at EtonHouse International Education Group, was conferred the UASG Gaurav Award 2025, recognising her contributions to community service and cultural preservation. The celebration drew heartfelt praise from across Singapore’s cultural circles. Mr Rajith Mohan, president of Kairalee Kala Nilayam, said: “Witnessing Uttarakhand’s traditions was a joy. It reminded me how India, with its many languages and identities, is woven together into one soul.”
Community member Bhoopendra Bisht summed up the spirit of the day: “The organisation and spirit of the community were simply amazing.”
