The RELC Auditorium at Orange Grove Road came alive on Aug 23 evening as BiJhar (Singapore) hosted its signature celebration – the BiJhar Cultural Confluence 2025.
The event drew a full house of families, community leaders, and cultural enthusiasts who gathered to experience the soulful heritage of Bihar and Jharkhand.
What set this year’s Confluence apart was its immersive design. From the moment attendees arrived, they were greeted with traditional decor, regional music, and the warmth of volunteers who worked tirelessly to recreate the spirit of eastern India.
The programme unfolded as a tapestry of folk traditions – soulful music, energetic dances, and evocative performances by students and artists – each telling stories of community, resilience, and joy.
The organisers described it not just as an event, but “a heartfelt journey into the essence of Bihar and Jharkhand’s culture”. The highlight of the evening was the performance of Malini Awasthi, one of India’s most celebrated folk singers.
She delivered a spellbinding medley in Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi, her voice bringing alive the folk traditions of eastern India.
The Confluence also featured an impressive display of artifacts and handicrafts from Bihar and Jharkhand, giving visitors a chance to explore the history and craftsmanship of the region.
Authentic BiJhari cuisine – from hearty traditional dishes to delicacies rarely found outside India – became another crowd-puller. “Food connects us directly to home,” one guest said, as people queued for servings of litti-chokha and sweets.
The exhibition of Mithila paintings drew particular admiration. Detailed brushwork and vibrant colours depicted episodes from the Ramayana, showing the depth of the region’s artistic traditions.
Guest of Honour, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash praised BiJhar for its efforts to strengthen Singapore’s multicultural harmony.
“Events like these keep traditions alive and build bridges between communities,” he said. Highlighting the segment on Chhath Puja, he noted its resonance across cultures: “It is a festival of gratitude, deeply tied to nature – values that belong to humanity as a whole.”
Chhath Puja is a four-day ancient Hindu festival celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal, and dedicated to worshipping the Sun God (Surya) and Chhathi Maiya (a form of the goddess Usha.
The attendees, numbering around 350, applauded the seamless organisation, warm hospitality, and thoughtful curation.
Community member Mamta Mandal, founder of Global Hindi Foundation, said: “Having attended Malini ji’s performances before, yesterday was different. It was surreal to witness Bhojpuri and Awadhi culture in full glory.”
Another participant, businessman TP Gupta, commended the execution: “It’s never easy to organise something so smooth. Kudos to the entire team.”
Founded in 2006 by a handful of passionate individuals, BiJhar Singapore has grown into a vibrant platform representing over 250 families. Its mission has been to preserve and promote the traditions of Bihar and Jharkhand while contributing to Singapore’s multicultural tapestry through social, cultural, and welfare initiatives.
BiJhar Singapore president Shiwani Khirwal summed up the Confluence: “This was not just an event but an emotion. It was the realisation of a long-cherished vision – to create a cultural platform of this scale. Seeing our hall filled with music, joy, and togetherness reminded us why BiJhar began.”
