The spirit of Kerala’s harvest festival came alive in the western heartlands as Kala Singapore organised its annual Onam Fiesta 2025 at the Hong Kah North Community Club.
The vibrant celebration drew more than 650 attendees, including Kala members and local residents, filling the venue with colour, music, and laughter.
Usually hosted at Hougang CC, the event moved west this year due to venue constraints. “Since Hougang CC was unavailable, we reached out to our former adviser Mr Lee Hong Chuang, now at Hong Kah North CC, and he welcomed us with open arms,” said Kala Singapore president Shaji Philip. “This year’s Onam is special – we’re celebrating SG60 in a new neighbourhood, sharing our traditions with more Singaporeans.”
The day was packed with cultural highlights – Pulikali (tiger dance), Chenda Melam (tradition percussion ensemble), songs, dances, and the arrival of King Mahabali in his colourful regalia.
The festival’s centrepiece, a sumptuous 25-dish Sadya served on banana leaves, delighted guests and earned rave reviews.
A tug-of-war for children and adults, a lucky draw, and vibrant stalls selling traditional clothes, jewellery, and food added to the carnival atmosphere.
Freelance photographer Rajeev Variyar captured the nostalgia of the occasion: “It felt just like being back home in Kerala – the pookkalam (flower rangoli), the melodies, the laughter, the festive spirit. Truly grateful to witness such warmth here in Singapore.”
Guest of Honour Mr Lee, MP and Adviser to Jurong East-Bukit Batok GRCs Grassroots Organisations, lauded the festival’s spirit of inclusivity: “This joyful event brought the rich traditions of the Malayalee community to life through dance, music, food and togetherness. It was heartwarming to see unity and culture embraced. A big thank you to Mr. Shaji Philip, Kala Singapore and the volunteers who made this possible.”
Founded in 2011, Kala Singapore provides Malayalees a platform to showcase talent during Onam, Vishu, and Deepavali. Its cultural band Aarpo staged a two-hour homegrown concert earlier this year, while the association also supports migrant workers through cricket tournaments, one of which earned a Guinness record.
Past Onam celebrations have been held at Grassroots Club, Hill View Salvation Army, Hougang CC, and Aljunied Paya Lebar CC. Even during the pandemic, Kala found ways to keep the tradition alive with online festivities and home-delivered sadyas.
Attendee Shradha Patil praised the thoughtful arrangements: “The sadya area was spacious and clean. Servers did a great job. Mercely’s ice cream was a hit, and the stalls were fun to explore. It felt like how Onam should be – people coming together and enjoying themselves.”
