Singapore’s Marwari community welcomed the spirit of the monsoon with colourful attire, folk songs, mehendi and traditional Rajasthani flavours as the Marwari Mitra Mandal (MMM) held its annual Teej Mela on Aug 16.
Around 125 members attended the three-hour celebration at Plume at the Singapore Flyer, with the organisers particularly encouraged by the enthusiastic participation of younger and Singapore-born Marwaris.
For the community, the festival was about much more than an evening of entertainment. MMM president Prakash Hetamsaria said the aim was to recreate the atmosphere of home while ensuring traditions and family values were passed to another generation.
“Teej, also known as the Sindhara tradition, celebrates the bond between mothers and married daughters through gifts such as traditional clothes, bangles and sweets,” he said.
MMM recreated the custom by presenting Borlas – traditional Rajasthani forehead ornaments – and bags to women attending the celebration.
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, Teej celebrates women, marital happiness and family bonds while also marking the arrival of the monsoon, symbolising renewal, greenery and prosperity.
Women arrived in vibrant traditional attire, particularly shades of green and red, complemented by bangles and mehendi-adorned hands.
The venue was decorated with colourful drapes, foliage and traditional flowers to evoke the festive atmosphere of Rajasthan.
Women and children performed dances to traditional songs, while older members contributed Rajasthani folk numbers.
“Performing a solo dance at Teej was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate India’s rich culture,” said housewife and passionate dancer Dimpy Kanojia. “ I loved the colourful traditional outfits, festive atmosphere and the sense of togetherness. With dance, music, food and games, it was a beautifully organised celebration.”
The programme also included Antakshari, Tambola and other games designed to encourage participation across generations.
“We wanted to ensure that everyone remained engaged,” Mr Prakash said. “What better way to bring young and old together than through Antakshari and Tambola, where everyone could participate, interact and enjoy themselves.”
Food provided another connection with home, with traditional dishes and sweets including Malpua with Rabri and Halwa.
Mr Prakash described traditional clothing, authentic cuisine and seasonal delicacies as “the primary anchors of cultural memory”, particularly for families living far from their roots.
What particularly pleased the organisers was seeing younger members move from being spectators to active participants.
“Their involvement in dance performances, Antakshari and various games was particularly encouraging,” said Mr Prakash. “It clearly reflects that the younger generation remains connected to its roots and is keen to learn, embrace and carry forward our traditions and culture.”
MMM deliberately incorporates lighter and more contemporary activities alongside traditional elements to make cultural celebrations relatable to young people.
Beyond festivals such as Teej, the organisation sees itself as a social, welfare and professional anchor for Singapore’s Rajasthani diaspora, while encouraging members to contribute to the wider community.
Upcoming activities include a Walkathon, an Inter-Society Badminton Cup and its Annual Grand Deepavali Ball.
Its community initiatives will include grocery distribution to needy families, a blood donation drive and a Deepavali celebration with migrant workers.
For Mr Prakash, such activities reflect MMM’s broader objective of helping Marwaris preserve their heritage while remaining firmly connected to Singapore.
