The spirit of Kerala came alive in Yishun as Onam Village 2025 transformed the Multi-Purpose Court, in front of Block 838 Yishun Street 81, into a vibrant cultural carnival on Aug 24.
Located right across Khatib MRT station, the venue was a sea of colour as thousands of Malayalees and Singaporeans gathered to celebrate one of Kerala’s most cherished festivals, which this year coincided with Singapore’s 60th birthday.
The highlight of the day was the Onasadya – the traditional vegetarian banana leaf feast – which saw all 1,600 tickets sold out well in advance, underscoring the festival’s growing popularity. But the celebration was much more than food: it was about heritage, inclusivity, and unity.
This year’s edition carried a special resonance. For the first time, all major Malayalee organisations in Singapore came together in a joint effort led by the Singapore Malayalee Association (SMA). Partner groups included KALA Singapore, Kairalee Kala Nilayam, Naval Base Kerala Library, Indian Cultural Association, Malayalam Language Education Society, Pravasi Express, and North East Malayalees Association.
The chosen theme, “Rooted in Culture, Progressing with Singapore”, echoed the dual celebration of Onam and SG60.
One of the highlights was the SG60 Canvas artwork, a rangoli-inspired creation featuring 60 “art petals,” produced by residents of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) under the guidance of record-holding rangoli artist Vijaya Mohan. The canvas was officially recognised by the Singapore Book of Records, blending art, tradition, and social awareness in a powerful way.
Adding to the sense of renewal, this year’s Onam Village was helmed by Mrs Sunu Sivadasan-Ghani, SMA’s first woman president, marking a milestone in the community’s leadership journey.
The festival was graced by Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth and Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash, who called the event “a wonderful occasion that brought the community together”. He praised the inclusivity of the celebrations, noting that “the role of King Mahabali was performed by a Christian gentleman (Mr Vilayil Chandy Runy)”.
“We are blessed to be able to celebrate cultural and religious events in an inclusive way,” Mr Dinesh later posted on Facebook, highlighting how Onam Village embodies Singapore’s multicultural ethos.
Mahabali, also known as Bali or Maveli, is recognised as a righteous, benevolent, and charitable king who brought prosperity to his kingdom and in whose honour the Onam festival is celebrated.
Also in attendance was Advisor to Nee Soon GRC GROs Lee Hui Ying, underscoring the festival’s significance in Singapore’s cultural calendar.
Onam Village 2025 also paid tribute to the pioneers of the Malayalee community, recognising six distinguished individuals: Mr MK Bhasi, Mr Sivaraman Nair, Mdm Sarojini Chandran, Mr MM Dollah, Mdm Seline Lloyd, and Mdm Kamala V Nair.
A special moment came when author Kamala Devi Aravindan and veteran journalist Viswa Sadasivan were honoured for their induction into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame and Media Hall of Fame respectively this year.
The day-long celebration, from 9am to 5pm, brimmed with cultural vibrancy. A mesmerising Thiruvathira dance by 60 women, clad in matching Kerala set mundus, captivated the audience with its elegance and grace.
A multilingual cultural programme saw performers sing and dance in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, and English, with a special rendition of “We Are Singapore” adapted to the SG60 theme, drawing resounding applause.
Inclusivity was another cornerstone. Differently-abled children trained in arts and magic performed on stage, moving the audience deeply. Inspired by Kerala’s Different Arts Centre, this initiative showed how art can be a motivational tool for all abilities.
The organisers ensured that Onam Village 2025 wasn’t just about nostalgia but also about nurturing young talent.
Children’s activities included sports, traditional games, and art competitions.
The Heritage Wall, curated by Pravasi Express editor Rajesh Gopalakrishnan, provided a timeline of Malayalee contributions to Singapore’s growth. For many, it was an emotional journey of remembrance and pride.
The community’s enthusiasm was evident in the words of the attendees.
Mr Pradeep Kumar Chandran, associate principal at pharmaceutical company Roche, said: “It was amazing to have the Onam ambience recreated and the opportunity to mingle with friends and family.”
Poet D. Sudheeran praised the heritage exhibition: “It’s important to understand Malayalee roots and progression in Singapore, and I’m excited to see that the history is preserved.” Founded in 1917, the Singapore Malayalee Association has long been the custodian of Kerala’s traditions here, publishing records of Onam celebrations since the 1950s through its Onopaharam magazine. Over 70 years, Onam Village has grown into a fixture of Singapore’s multicultural calendar.
“This year’s festival was a celebration that united Malayalees of all ages, backgrounds, and communities,” said SMA president Mrs Sunu. “It embodies the spirit of togetherness and integration that Onam originally intended to inspire.”
