More than 400 people took part in Singapore's first-ever snake boat race on Sunday, marking the start of a month-long Onam celebration organised by the Indian-origin Malayalee community.

The event, held at Jurong Lake by the 70-year-old Singapore Kairalee Kala Nilayam, brought together Malayalees, Singaporeans, migrant workers and residents from different ethnic backgrounds to celebrate Kerala's biggest harvest festival through sport, music and cultural traditions. Videos and photographs of the event have emerged on social media.

The celebrations come well ahead of Thiruvonam, the main day of Onam in 2026, which falls on Wednesday, August 26. The 10-day harvest festival officially begins with Atham on August 16.

Traditional race brings Kerala heritage to Singapore

Onam and Vallam Kali, Kerala's traditional snake boat race, are celebrated by Malayalee communities around the world through cultural programmes, community gatherings and festive feasts to preserve their heritage.

Sunday's race featured 11 teams, each comprising 10 rowers, while Chenda Melam, the traditional percussion ensemble, and other Kerala music added to the festive atmosphere.

Singapore Kairalee Kala Nilayam is among the oldest Malayalee cultural organisations outside India. The Malayalee community's presence in Singapore dates back more than a century, with many migrants arriving during the British colonial period.

Kairalee secretary A B S Manoj said the celebrations were intended to be inclusive, encouraging participation from people beyond the Malayalee community.

"Rather than preserving culture as something from the past, we believe it should be a living experience," Manoj said. He added that the month-long programme was designed to engage younger generations through interactive cultural activities.

Month-long festivities focus on community participation

Kairalee vice-president Rita Nanu said the organisation wanted children, young people and families to experience Kerala's traditions as "living cultural experiences" rather than simply memories of the past.

"Our vision is to ensure that children, youth and families experience Kerala's traditions not only as memories from the past but as living cultural experiences they can participate in together," she said.

Kairalee president Rajith Mohan said the celebrations aimed to bring communities together through traditions that promote unity, friendship and cultural understanding.

Around 40,000 Malayalees live in Singapore.

The month-long programme includes Pookkalam (floral carpet) displays, traditional music and dance performances, village games, cultural exhibitions and other activities recreating the atmosphere of a traditional Kerala village during Onam. The celebrations will culminate on August 15, India's Independence Day, ahead of the official start of the 2026 Onam festival on August 16.