Past Events
38
Bollywood Blast 3
Bollywood’s biggest hits come alive with Amit Dhamelia and his band in this electrifying concert at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.
SHISHA TAPES
Experience SHISHA MUSIC’s soulful originals as Shamroz Khan and Sivaranjini Das unite with friends for a night of musical magic.
Svara y Ritmo: A Carnatic-Latin Odyssey
Latin jazz grooves meet Carnatic intricacy in this fearless, borderless blend of Latin jazz and Carnatic music, featuring celebrated singer Varijashree Venugopal.
Papa Yaar
Laugh, cry, and relive memories with Zakir Khan in his heartwarming comedy tribute to the bond we share with our fathers.
Handicraft Tote Bag Parent-Child Workshop
Paint a piece of tradition with your loved ones in this pichwai tote bag workshop.
Cosmic Dissolution
Singapore’s beloved Vedic metal pioneers reimagine their decades-long discography in a genre-defying concert featuring Resound Collective’s 56-piece orchestra.
The Tapi Project
Don’t miss the genre-fluid, globetrotting The Tapi Project, known for their dynamic songwriting and visually spectacular live shows that leave audiences spellbound.
Essential
Transcend borders in an evening of experimental Indian classical flute, tabla and electronic textures, of ragas reborn and original compositions that fuse tradition with futuristic soundscapes.
Blossoming Flowers
Catch budding young dancers from Nrityalaya, the teaching wing of Bhaskar’s Arts Academy, in a dynamic showcase of Indian classical dance forms.
Introduction to Spice-Mixing Workshop
A titillating spice-mixing experience that immerses you in a world of rich flavours and aromas while deepening your knowledge of spices.
Shikhandi – The Warrior Within
This powerful kathak presentation reimagines Shikhandi, the enigmatic figure from the Mahabharata, as both a legend and a compelling metaphor.
Mone Rekho – Remember
Revel in the artistry of this inspired virtuoso in a groundbreaking performance that fuses Indian traditional music with contemporary composition and storytelling.
About
Producer's Message
Each November, Kalaa Utsavam – Indian Festival of Arts by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay brings together artists and audiences in a spirit of celebration, discovery, and connection. As we enter the 24th edition of the festival, from 21 – 30 Nov 2025, we are reminded of its role as a home for Indian arts in Singapore. It is a space where tradition meets innovation, where stories are shared, and where communities come together.
Guided by four key objectives—to celebrate the excellence of Indian arts and culture, present a festival that balances excitement with artistic merit, foster a stronger youth presence, and develop the next generation of Singapore artists—Kalaa Utsavam continues to honour its roots while embracing the future. This year’s festival reflects these ideals through a vibrant mix of tradition, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration.
The festival continues to champion new creations by Singapore artists, with six new works in the line-up this year, including four Esplanade co-productions and one Esplanade commission. Mission Malligapoo by inventive theatre-makers AGAM Theatre Lab is a playful and heartwarming production, while dynamic music group SwaRhythm brings Samudra, a captivating new production inspired by the ebb and flow of the ocean. In a bold meeting of genres, trailblazing metal band RUDRA joins forces with the refined musicianship of Resound Collective for an unforgettable orchestral experience. Acclaimed Singapore poet Pooja Nansi explores love and belonging in the lyrical We Make Spaces Divine ft. Dey, and the powerful Shikhandi by SIFAS Productions Ltd blends the grace of kathak with the dynamism of bharatanatyam. The genre-bending local Latin jazz fusion band Project RA teams up with virtuoso vocalist Varijashree Venugopal to weave intricate Carnatic melodies with vibrant jazz improvisation in a performance bursting with rhythmic vitality and soulful depth.
From further afield, legendary poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar is set to enchant with Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon, an intimate evening of words and melodies, while beloved stand-up star Zakir Khan returns to Singapore with his trademark warmth, wit, and relatable humour.
Also not to be missed are the visually arresting Kintsugi by Canada’s renowned Sampradaya Dance Creations, multi-instrumentalist Soumik Datta’s poignant, music-driven reflection on memory and Alzheimer’s disease, Mone Rekho, and Malaysian hip-hop powerhouse Rabbit Mac’s high-energy showcase with his friends. Families can delight in the charming Circle of Life by Ranga Shankara’s AHA! Theatre for Children, specially created for children as young as five.
Throughout the festival, we are also delighted to offer many free programmes at Esplanade’s public spaces, where audiences can enjoy live music, dance and storytelling. These free programmes not only make the arts more accessible but also allow families, friends, and curious passersby to come together and experience the joy of Kalaa Utsavam together.
We express our heartfelt thanks to our Principal Sponsor, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, for their support of Kalaa Utsavam 2025.
For over two decades, Kalaa Utsavam has been a space for connection, creativity, and cultural celebration. We invite you to join us once again to discover, to be inspired, and to celebrate the evolving spirit of Indian arts in Singapore.
V M Sai Akileshwar
Producer
The Esplanade Co Ltd
Connect With us
Follow Kalaa Utsavam for the latest updates
Malabar Gold & Diamonds
Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the 6th largest jewellery retailer globally, is the flagship brand of Malabar Group. Established in 1993 in India, Malabar Gold & Diamonds currently has an extensive presence of over 355 showrooms across Singapore, Malaysia, India, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, KSA, Oman, USA, UK, Canada & Australia.
High Commission of India
Indian culture is a kaleidoscope of traditions, religions, arts, gastronomy, music, dance and languages. It celebrates diverse festivals, offers a rich cuisine with flavourful spices, features intricate art and architecture, and embraces family values. With its spiritual depth, yoga heritage, and Bollywood influence, India's cultural vibrancy captivates the world. High Commission of India in Singapore is proud to represent India in Singapore.
Contact
The Esplanade Co Ltd
1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
+65 6828 8377