The rhythmic pounding of chenda melam (traditional percussion orchestra), colourful team jerseys and synchronised paddling transformed Jurong Lake Gardens into a slice of Kerala on July 19 as more than 500 spectators and participants gathered for the Kairalee Kampong Onam Vallam Kali Competition 2026.
Organised by the 70-year-old Singapore Kairalee Kala Nilayam (SKKN) at PAssion WaVe @ Jurong Lake Gardens, the event marked the return of a traditional Kerala-style boat race to Singapore after a 13-year hiatus.
While dragon boats replaced Kerala’s famed snake boats, the atmosphere recreated the excitement, camaraderie and festive spirit that define the iconic Vallam Kali during the Onam season.
Eleven teams – seven men’s and four women’s – competed over a 100-metre course using 10-seater dragon boats, reaching speeds of about 8km/h as teammates paddled in perfect rhythm. Team Kulukiii claimed the men’s title in 1 minute 12.43 seconds, edging out Chekavars, while Minnal won the women’s competition ahead of NBKL Vanchiveeranganakal.
For SKKN president Rajith Mohan, reviving the event during the organisation’s 70th anniversary celebrations was both symbolic and timely.
“The 70th anniversary of Singapore Kairalee Kala Nilayam gave us the perfect opportunity to revive one of Kerala’s most iconic traditions,” he said. “We wanted this milestone celebration to be more than a cultural programme – it had to be an experience that united generations.”
He added that growing interest among younger Malayalees inspired the revival.
“Many have only heard stories about Vallam Kali but never experienced it. By partnering with PAssion WaVe, we were able to recreate its spirit safely in a uniquely Singaporean setting while preserving the values of teamwork, unity and heritage.”
Although adapted for Singapore, the organisers carefully retained the event’s cultural essence.
Traditional snake boats in Kerala stretch up to 40 metres and carry well over 100 paddlers, accompanied by onboard singers and musicians.
Singapore’s version used compact dragon boats carrying 10 rowers to meet local safety regulations and suit the calm waters of Jurong Lake. Instead of musicians onboard, the thunderous beats of chenda melam echoed from the shore, recreating the unmistakable soundscape of Kerala’s famous backwater races.
“The essence of Vallam Kali is not the size of the boat but the spirit of rowing together as one team,” Mr Rajith said. “Every paddler must move in perfect rhythm, trust one another and work towards a common goal.”
Months of preparation went into organising the competition.
Planning involved registrations, training schedules, safety briefings, logistics, medical support and close coordination with PAssion WaVe, volunteers and race officials. An orientation session on July 5 had to be cancelled because of lightning alerts, but participants remained enthusiastic and returned in full force on race day under favourable weather.
Mr Rajith credited the organising committee, led by vice-president Rita Nanu, secretary Manoj A. B. S., treasurer Smitha Nair, cultural secretary Balaji G. S., organising chair Nima Manaf and numerous volunteers, for ensuring the event ran smoothly.
Inclusivity was another hallmark of the competition.
Besides attracting Malayalees, the event welcomed Singaporeans, migrant workers and residents from various ethnic backgrounds.
Delhi-born business owner Shikha Chaudhary, 40, who participated for the first time, described the experience as unforgettable.
“I had only seen Kerala’s snake boat races in movies and videos,” she said. “To actually experience the energy, teamwork and kampong spirit here in Singapore was amazing. I hardly knew anyone on my team before training, but by race day we had become one family.”
Participant Jithu Mohan, 42, who works in banking, said the race was about much more than winning.
“The adrenaline lasted only about a minute, but the memories will stay much longer,” she said. “The crowd was incredible, and Kairalee Kala Nilayam deserves full credit for organising such a professional event.”
Kulukiii captain Anand Rajan, 35, said the competition successfully brought Kerala’s traditions closer to young Singapore-based Malayalees.
“Many of us have never watched a real Vallam Kali in Kerala,” he said. “This gave us an opportunity not only to compete but also to bond, stay fit and celebrate our culture together.”
Veteran Malayalee Vincent Robinson, 74, who attended earlier editions years ago, praised the revival.
“The atmosphere is fantastic,” he said. “It’s much better organised now, and hopefully this becomes an annual tradition once again.”
The boat race marks the opening chapter of SKKN’s month-long Kairalee Kampong Onam celebrations, which will culminate on Aug 15 at Sembawang Recreation Centre with cultural performances, traditional games, village-themed installations and a grand Onam Sadhya. The Vallam Kali trophies will also be presented during the celebrations.
