The vibrant colours of Rajasthan, the infectious rhythms of Bollywood and the warmth of community togetherness transformed The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, into a royal celebration on Oct 31.
The occasion was the Marwari Mitra Mandal (Singapore) Diwali Ball 2026, which brought together members of Singapore’s Marwari and Rajasthani communities, distinguished guests and community partners for an evening celebrating heritage, friendship and the Festival of Lights.
Held at the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, the gala adopted the theme “From Rajasthan’s Dunes to Bollywood Tunes”, offering guests a Royal Palace Experience that combined traditional Rajasthani culture with contemporary Indian entertainment.
The Guest of Honour was Mountbatten MP Gho Sze Kee. Among the distinguished guests were Canada’s High Commissioner to Singapore, Paul Thoppil, and India’s Deputy High Commissioner, Sudhi Choudhary.
The evening featured two entertainment groups brought specially from India.
Dhara Rang showcased Rajasthan’s colourful folk traditions through music and dance, while Bandeh delivered high-energy Bollywood and contemporary numbers that kept the dance floor buzzing.
Guests dressed in elegant Indian ethnic attire also enjoyed a festive dinner, a Best Dressed Competition and lucky draws.
For Marwari Mitra Mandal (MMM) president Prakash Hetamsaria, the celebration was about much more than entertainment.
“Through the Diwali Ball 2026, our central message was preserving our roots, strengthening community bonds and connecting our rich heritage with modern Singaporean life,” he said.
“As the Marwari and Rajasthani diaspora continues to grow in Singapore, it is important that we create opportunities for our families, particularly the younger generation, to remain connected to their cultural identity.”
He explained that the evening’s entertainment was carefully designed to appeal to different generations.
Traditional Rajasthani performances evoked memories of home for older members, while Bollywood music provided a contemporary connection for younger guests.
“We wanted the entertainment to tell a story — one that celebrates our cultural heritage while embracing the music and entertainment enjoyed by today’s generation,” he said.
“Bringing both teams from India was a deliberate choice to give our guests an authentic cultural experience while ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, could enjoy the evening.”
One of the most memorable moments, he recalled, was watching older and younger members dancing together.
“It was particularly heartening to see younger Singapore-raised members participating alongside the older generation,” he said. “Moments like these remind us that culture is not just about preserving traditions; it is about experiencing and passing them on together.”
Established in 2005, MMM has grown from organising relatively small community gatherings into hosting major cultural and social events involving diplomatic representatives, sponsors and community organisations.
Mr Prakash said the scale of this year’s Diwali Ball reflected the association’s expanding reach and aspirations.
However, he emphasised that preserving cultural identity must go hand in hand with contributing to Singapore’s multicultural society.
“Our objective is not only to preserve our identity but also to share our culture with the wider community and build lasting friendships across different backgrounds,” he said.
The association is already planning several initiatives following the Diwali Ball.
Its next event, Diwali Rama Rami & Family Movie Night, will take place at GV Suntec City on Nov 9, featuring a screening of Ramayana. The programme will begin with dinner and a meet-and-greet at 6pm, followed by the movie at 7pm.
MMM will also support Sangam – Deepavali Celebration 2026 for migrant workers at Penjuru Recreation Centre on Nov 15.
The event will feature cultural performances, goodie bags and food distribution, recognising the contributions migrant workers make to Singapore.
Looking further ahead, the association aims to expand its membership to 500 families, strengthen partnerships with community organisations and continue charitable initiatives supporting underprivileged households.
Plans also include more cultural celebrations, particularly Holi and Gangaur, alongside greater participation from women and young people.
“Our vision is to make MMM a vibrant, inclusive and future-ready organisation — one that preserves our heritage, builds meaningful relationships and serves society,” Mr Prakash said.
