The Uttarakhand Association of Singapore’s (UASG) Deepotsav (Deepavali celebrations) on Oct 26 was a memorable evening filled with lights, cultural events and community spirit.
Held at the SingPost Auditorium in Paya Lebar, it was a tribute to the Indian state’s rich heritage, with the 240-strong audience enjoying performances ranging from soulful Mangal Geet to folk music.
Friends from the Philippines, Indonesia and other Indian associations attended the three-hour extravaganza.
The highlight was the Ramleela skit, performed by UASG’s members, which brought the Ramayana’s timeless tales to life.
High Commission of India (HCI) Counsellor Ameya Abhyankar, who was the guest of honour, spoke about the HCI’s consular initiatives for the welfare of the Indian diaspora.
He also complimented the UASG members for preserving their cultural heritage and fostering unity.
UASG president Harish Pant, in his speech, encouraged Uttarakhand’s youths to actively preserve and pass down the cherished traditions.
Deepotsav beautifully intertwined nostalgia with pride, reconnecting the audience to their roots while also creating new memories to cherish.
The grand finale featured the iconic Kumaoni folk song “Bedo Pako,” which energised the crowd to dance and sing together.
A pahadi (food from the hills) feast followed – provided by the Anglo Indian Café and Bar,
“Celebrations are an important part of our lives that help us connect to our heritage, sense of identity and foster a sense of belonging within the community,” said Mr Pant.
UASG, which was formed in 2013, caters to the needs of the more than 2,000 Uttarakhandis who live in Singapore. Most are professionals, working in IT, hotel management and shipping.
V.K. Santosh Kumar
