The Katong Community Centre came alive with colour, culture and celebration on April 5 as the Mountbatten CC Indian Activity Executive Committee (IAEC) hosted Sangamam — a vibrant Indian New Year festival that brought together more than 400 people from across Singapore’s diverse communities.
Sangamam, meaning “confluence,” symbolised the spirit of the event – a coming together of cultures, traditions and people in harmony.
The celebration showcased the rich diversity of Indian New Year traditions, while paying homage to the historical contributions of Indian communities in Singapore.
“Sangamam was more than just a festive celebration. It was a heartfelt tribute to our shared heritage,” said Ms Aarti Naidu, chairperson of Mountbatten CC IAEC. “We wanted residents to understand the journey of the Indian community here, and how every culture adds a unique thread to Singapore’s social fabric.”
The three-hour programme transported the audience on a thematic journey – beginning with the first Indian footprints in Singapore and evolving into a cultural showcase of New Year traditions from across Indian states.
A striking display of old photographs of Indian migrants in Singapore created a nostalgic backdrop, honouring the past while celebrating the present.
Fourteen Indian associations participated in the celebration, each presenting a unique cultural segment representing their state’s New Year (celebrated from March 30 to April 14 across different states) customs – from Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Vishu in Kerala, Baisakhi in Punjab to Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.
Dance performances lit up the stage, with traditional folk acts like Bihu from Assam, Malhari from Maharashtra, Kuthu Pattu from Tamil Nadu, Mohiniyattam from Kerala and vibrant folk numbers from Gujarat and West bengal captivating the crowd.
Interwoven into these performances were stories of the first Indian immigrants who arrived from Bhojpur under British colonial rule in the late 19th century — reinforcing the deep-rooted historical ties between India and Singapore.
Mr T.J. Selvam, organising chair of the event, remarked: “It was truly a memorable experience. From the traditional music to the incredible energy of the performers, every act was thoughtfully curated. It was heartwarming to see people from different backgrounds join in the celebration with such joy and unity.”
The event also focused on building community connections. Interactive games, ice-breakers and a tantalising food spread featuring 15 dishes from different Indian states gave residents a chance to connect with their neighbours over shared experiences.
Mountbatten MP and Guest-of-Honour Lim Biow Chuan applauded the event’s inclusive spirit. “In India, the New Year often marks the start of harvest. While we don’t have farms here in Singapore, we celebrate the start of something new – together. What I see here is the very essence of Singapore: mutual respect, curiosity about each other’s traditions, and a strong sense of community.”
The event received enthusiastic praise from attendees.
Madam Tang, a 70-year-old resident, said: “The performances were so vibrant and informative. It was wonderful to learn about the different traditions.”
Participant Sindhu Krishna from the Singapore Malayalee Association, said: “What a fantastic event – it struck the perfect balance between being educational and entertaining. Huge kudos to the volunteers for their warm hospitality and attention to detail.”
Chairperson of Bihar Jharkhand Association Singapore Shiwan Khirwali added: “The diversity of India was beautifully showcased and everyone enjoyed the experience.”
The event successfully captured the spirit of India’s New Year festivals while aligning with Singapore’s ethos of inclusivity.
“This is just the beginning,” said Ms Aarti. “Sangamam has shown us the power of celebrating together. We hope to continue creating more such platforms for cultural exchange and unity.”
