Manam Telugu brought together music, dance, theatre and tradition during its Ugadi Cultural Celebrations 2026, held on May 3 at the Lee Choon Huan Theatre at Anglo-Chinese Junior College.
The large-scale event featured more than 200 performers aged between three and 60, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to preserving Telugu heritage while creating a vibrant platform for community bonding in Singapore.
Attended by over 800 people, the annual celebration reflected the growing popularity and cultural significance of Manam Telugu among Telugu-speaking families and the wider Indian community in Singapore.
The programme showcased a rich variety of Indian performing arts, ranging from classical dance forms such as Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam and Kathak to folk, contemporary, and Bollywood dance presentations. Participants from different generations shared the stage, making the event a truly multigenerational cultural celebration.
One of the major highlights of the evening was a theatrical production inspired by stories from the Mahabharata. The performance captivated audiences with its dramatic storytelling, colourful costumes, and strong cultural themes rooted in Indian mythology.
Carnatic music performances also formed an important part of the programme, with singers presenting devotional keerthanas and classical compositions that added depth and spiritual richness to the evening.
Another unique attraction was the Handloom Fashion Show, which celebrated sustainable clothing and India’s traditional textile heritage. Featuring handwoven garments and ethnic attire, the segment highlighted the beauty of Indian craftsmanship while promoting awareness of eco-friendly fashion.
Founded by a group of passionate volunteers, Manam Telugu has emerged as an active community-driven organisation focused on rejuvenating Telugu cultural traditions and strengthening social connections among families living in Singapore.
The organisation regularly conducts cultural programmes and community activities aimed at helping Telugu families remain connected to their roots while encouraging younger generations to appreciate Indian traditions, language and values.
Its events are designed not only as entertainment platforms but also as opportunities for artistic expression, learning and cultural continuity.
The May 3 event was led by Ms Chada Anitha Reddy with the support of a passionate and dedicated team, including Ms Aparna Velugubantla, who handled choreography, marketing and event promotion, and Ms Neeraja Mallavarapu and Ms Spandana Gaiam, who were responsible for stage management and coordination.
By combining classical arts, music, drama and community participation, Manam Telugu has created a meaningful cultural space where traditions are celebrated in a modern, multicultural environment like Singapore.
The Ugadi celebrations also reinforced the importance of cultural organisations in preserving heritage among diaspora communities, especially for younger Singapore-born Indians growing up away from their ancestral homeland.
With strong participation and enthusiastic audience support, the Ugadi Cultural Celebrations 2026 once again demonstrated how community-led initiatives can successfully blend tradition, creativity and inclusiveness while strengthening cultural identity across generations.
