Upcoming Events
Anandomela 2023
Sunday, 15th October, 2023 between 5-8 pm
Sunday, 15th October, 2023 between 5-8 pm “Anandomela”, is aimed at bringing together the best home chefs forward showcasing their culinary skills and mouth-watering delicacies and we look forward to your active participation.
Shur Taal o Chonde
Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 5:00 PM onwards
Join us for an evening of musical extravaganza!
Past Events
Shuvo Noborsho
15 April 2023
Bengali Association Singapore conveys Poila Boisakh Greetings to all its members. May God bless us all with good health,wealth, peace and prosperity – shuvo noborsho
Holi 2023
11th March 2023
Saraswati Puja
Date:26th January 2023
Bangla Natok : Dayboddho.
20th May 2023
Indian New Year Celebrations 2022
8th April, 2022
Spearheaded by Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA) several organisations representing Indian ethnic groups, presented a cultural evening celebrating the Indian New Year. Held on 8th April at One Farrer Hotel, the evening was graced by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah. Minister Alvin Tan and His Excellency, High Commissioner of India, Mr P Kumaran.
There was a special moment as the community remembered Mrs Santha Baskar, a national cultural icon and revered member of the arts community. Minister Rajah, presented the Women of Excellence Award honouring Mrs Santha to her daughter. Minister Indranee Rajah also presented plaques to each of the representatives of organisations. Along with the cultural evening, an exhibition was set up at the Indian Heritage Centre. The various associations, including BAS,put up panels and displays regarding their communities and their indigenous musical instruments. The BAS booth showcased the association and the Bengali community along with instruments like ektara and khol.
Saraswati Puja 2022
5 February, 2022
Bengali Association Singapore organised an in person Saraswati Puja at Singapore Sindhi Association. Keeping in mind the safe keeping guidelines members were asked to pre-register and there were 3 slots available. Only the religious ceremony was performed and there were no cultural events. Members who attended were very happy to participate in the prayers. Some little members had their ‘haathe khori’ done during the event.
Mahalaya
25 sep 2022
Durga Puja 2021
11th to 15th October, 2021
Durga Puja celebrations were organised by BAS at Singapore Sindhi Association. The event took place over all five days at the Main Hall of the venue. Keeping in mind safekeeping rules and regulations, the event was for members only and attendees had to pre-register for the available slots. Only religious rituals were conducted. Unlike earlier years, there were no cultural programmes held.
Kathay O Surey
9 October, 2021
BAS members presented a virtual music extravaganza. It was all about moments; the ones we have left behind, the ones that were deficient, ones that consumed us completely with their wholeness and the ones that shaped our experiences and stayed in our memory. This musical segment was an attempt to relive the emotions we hold dear and continue to do so all our lives.
Mahalaya Agomoni
6 October, 2021
BAS members started their day with our virtual Mahalaya Agomoni programme which included 2 dance medleys performed by members. Each group presented a synchronised visual treat. One group also showcased some of what they had learnt during our virtual virtual dance workshop held a few weeks earlier.
Virtual Children’s Talent Show
6 October, 2021
As part of our virtual Mahalaya programme it was apt that our youngest members showcase their talents with a virtual children’s talent show. We had the young ones entertaining us with song, dance, instrumental pieces as well melodious recitation of Stotras appropriate for the season.
Virtual Dance Workshop conducted by Ms Tanusree Shankar
21 September to 24 September, 2021
BAS members were able to enrol for an exclusive 4 day virtual dance workshop conducted by eminent danseuse Ms Tanusree Shankar. The workshop held on weekday evenings was a success and members were able to hone their dance skills as well as pick up new techniques.
Listen to Your Mind: Set Your Art Free
12 September, 2021
In a unique one of its kind virtual workshop, BAS invited well known artist Ms. Sarbani Bhattacharya to present an art and wellness session for members. In the 2 hour session, participants learnt some techniques to strengthen mindfulness and focus their attention while expressing their creativity. By the end of the session each one of them had created their very own ‘kalptaru’ or ‘wish tree’ with lovely colours, images and patterns.
Ek Shundor Swarnali Sandhya
4 September, 2021
To start the festive season, BAS in collaboration with SIFAS organized an evening of melody and dance. The show titled ‘Ek Shundor Swarnali Sandhya’ under the direction of Ms. Swati Mukherji, was a celebration of festivals and seasons in the Bengali calendar. The troupe of dancers depicted events such as Naboborsho (Bengali New year), the advent of monsoons, Janmashtami or the birth of Krishna, Durga Puja and other significant events. The programme held in SIFAS Dhwani Black Box while adhering to all the safe keeping rules was live streamed to members through the BAS Facebook page.
Golper Ashor
15 August, 2021
To mark Indian Independence Day, the youngest members of our community were engaged in a virtual Bengali story telling session. Ms. Nandini Ghatak hosted a half an hour session for youngsters. She began by showing them the Singapore flag and explained what the elements on it stand for. She went on to talk about why 15th August is such an important day in the history of India and also showed them the Indian flag. She continued with narration of a short Bengali folktale which she also translated in English. The session ended with all the participants drawing pictures of the characters from the story. It was an afternoon of fun and merriment.
62nd Annual General Meeting 2021
13 June, 2021
The 62nd Annual General Meeting of Bengali Association Singapore was held virtually and the agenda included:
- Welcome Address
- Confirmation of Minutes of prior AGM held on 28th June, 2020
- Presentation and Approval of Annual Report & Audited Accounts for 2020
- Ratification of appointment of Auditor for the year 2020
- Appointment of Auditor for the year 2021
- Election of New Management Committee for 2021
- Q&A and AOB
- Vote of Thanks
Indian New Year celebrations 2021
14 April, 2021
Spearheaded by Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA) 16 organisations representing Indian ethnic groups, presented cultural segments to celebrate the Indian New Year. Held at the event hall of Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road on April 14, BAS showcased a folk dance representing rural life of Bengal. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Indranee Rajah was the guest of honour at the launch. Minister Alvin Tan also graced the occasion. As part of the President’s Challenge initiative, Minister Indranee Rajah received a cheque on behalf of President Halimah Yacob. The donation for a worthy cause included contributions from Lisha, individuals, businesses and event partners including BAS.
Saraswati Pujo
16 February,2021
Keeping in mind the regulations and protocols to be maintained during the pandemic, Bengali Association Singapore organised an in-person Saraswati Pujo celebration on the 16th of February. It was a members only event held at Shri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road. To maintain social distancing and for the health and safety of members, the event was split up into 2 time slots and members were requested to pre-register for their preferred slot. Those who attended were very glad to be able to participate in the ceremony and prayers.
Durga Pujo
22 to 26 October, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in light of health and safety measures and social distancing guidelines, the grand festivities that have come to mark Durga Pujo every year was not possible this time. BAS chose to make Durga Pujo a far more intimate affair this year, thanks to the wonderful assistance of the Sri Siva Durga Temple at Potong Pasir. Since a year without the actual Durga Pujo rites and rituals is not possible, the temple kindly agreed to conduct a ghot pujo on our behalf on their premises. Members who visited the temple could see the beautifully decorated BAS ghot prominently displayed in the sanctum sanctorum. The ghot was returned to BAS on 29th October, 2020.
Virtual Confluence 2020
22 to 25 October, 2020
Durga Puja 2020 saw a different kind of cultural extravaganza. Groups of talented BAS members put together a 4 day line-up in the form of a Virtual Confluence. The programme segments included musical evenings of song and dance where some of our younger members also performed. Every evening the link was shared via email with our members. They could also view it on our YouTube channel as well as on our website.
Migrant Workers Lunch
25 October, 2020
As a gesture of solidarity and community spirit during the Puja season, BAS organised lunch for 400 migrant workers on Nabami afternoon. The traditional Bengali lunch was sponsored by BAS (along with one of our members Dr. Asim Bag). 400 Lunch boxes were delivered to one of the workers’ dormitories and some BAS committee members were present during the distribution. Alongside, 500 Lifebuoy masks and sanitizers each sponsored by Unilever were also distributed among the workers. This symbolizes BAS’ continued commitment to integration and brotherhood with the migrant worker community.
PA eNetworking Session with Global Partners
17 October, 2020
An eNetworking session with global partners was organised on 17th October at 10.00am. Representing BAS were Ms. Swagata Chakraborty, President of BAS and Mr. Saswata Mukherjee, Honorary Secretary of BAS. In total there were 46 participants interacting. They participated in the interactive game, Pigeonhole live Q&As and polls. There were also discussions amongst the communities regarding how they can remain connected during this time.
Virtual Quiz: Merlion, Mishti & More
17 October, 2020
BAS organised a virtual quiz called Merlion, Mishtu and More, on 17th October, 2020 between 4-6 PM Singapore time. Members enrolled in teams to participate. There were a total of 5 teams. Quizmaster Mr. Arnab Banerjee conducted the quiz over Webex. The quiz was on topics related to Singapore and Bengal. It was 2 hours of fun, facts and trivia. The winners were team Enthu Cutlets.
Virtual Puja Bazaar
3rd October, 2020
With virtual programmes being the norm in 2020, BAS hosted a Virtual Puja Bazaar to start off the festive season. A Saturday afternoon of virtual shopping saw 8 vendors showcasing their wares within a slot of 10 minutes each. BAS members could join in to view via WebEx. On display were sarees, traditional wear, jewellery as well as home linen. Vendors shared their range, price points and contact details so that audience members could get in touch with them directly. There were even vendors from India who ship their products worldwide as well as vendors who customise their products to individual choice. It was a 2 hour visual treat which ended with a happy audience ready to purchase some of the gorgeous items which had been showcased, for this festive season.
Mahalaya ‘Agomoni’ programme
17th September, 2020
Due to the current circumstances where live performances with a large audience is not possible, members of BAS present a virtual event ‘Agomoni’ on the occasion of Mahalaya. The programme comprised of a story’s recital, dances performed by children, melodious songs and recitation.
Please click on the following link to watch Agomoni 2020
Jhankar 2020
13 Aug, 2020
As is customary during this time of the year, we organise a cultural program which provides an opportunity for members to participate and showcase their talent. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, large community events are still out of bounds. In light of this and in continuance of our trend of hosting virtual events, this year, members participated and enjoyed viewing Jhankar 2020. Posted in 2 parts Jhankar, a cultural extravaganza, saw a plethora of talent of all age groups in the Bengali Association Singapore community engaged in Shruti natok, dance segments, recitation and a medley of songs.
Please click on the links below to view Part 1 and Part 2 of Jhankar 2020:
Jhankar Part 1
Jhankar Part 2
61st Annual General Meeting 2020
28 June, 2020
The 61st Annual General Meeting of Bengali Association Singapore was held virtually at 10:30 a.m. Meeting agenda included:
- Welcome Address
- Confirmation of Minutes of prior AGM, held on 20th April 2019.
- 2019 update of President
- Presentation and Approval of Annual Report and Audited Financial Accounts
- Appointment of Auditor for 2020
- Election of New Management Committee for 2020
- Question and Answer (Q&A) session and Any Other Business (AOB)
- Vote of Thanks
BAS Presents Rabindra Jayanti 2020
7 May 2020
Under the unprecedented condition we are living in today, some of our members with the help of digital technology found a novel way to commemorate the birth anniversary of the poet. They put together a video as a tribute to the literary legend Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of his 159th birth anniversary.
This video was dedicated to the migrant workers, healthcare and frontline caregivers during these trying times hoping to uplift their moods. We tried to reduce the anxiety of the migrant workers. We tried to bring both hope and fun into people’s anxious lives.
In this environment, our top priority is the health and well-being of all our members. Please continue to maintain social distancing and take all necessary precautions as advised by the government in order to keep everyone safe.
Bengali Association Singapore presents Rabindra Jayanti 2020
BAS virtual quiz for children
23 May 2020
A virtual kid’s quiz event was held on May 23rd, to energize and involve our young members. 15 participants, in 5 teams went through 5 challenging rounds of questions on trivia, sports, movies and music over a 2.5 hrs event held on the Google Meet platform. It was really exciting and fun to see the 8-12 year old kids rearing to go at each question, competing neck to neck with the other teams, in a very impressive demonstration of their knowledge. Kudos to the young participants and the Quiz Master for a very successful event.
Iman Chakraborty Live In Singapore
8 February, 2020
BAS welcomed award winning artist Iman Chakraborty to her first live concert in Singapore, with “Team Togetherness” – a creative group of musicians whose music reflects the flavour of India, blending rural and traditional music. Iman primarily performs “Rabindra Sangeet,” folk songs and contemporary Bengali songs. “Team Togetherness” comprised Mr. Ayan Mukherjee on Keyboards; Lead Guitarist Mr. Dibbojyoti Mukherjee; Mr. Soham Mukherjee on the Bass Guitar; Mr. Sumit Guha on Rhythm and Percussion and Mr. Raktim Chakraborty on Drums and Octapad.
Saraswati Pujo 2020
29 January, 2020
Saraswati Pujo was celebrated at Royal Palm, The Central, where Mr Ranjan Chakraborty conducted the pujo. Members participated in ‘anjali’, ‘hate khori’, ‘bhog’ and enjoyed lunch.
Durga Pujo & Confluence Events 2019
4 Oct 2019
Durga Pujo and Confluence 2019 was celebrated in a pandal erected on the ground between Owen Road and Burmah Road. The inauguration of the celebration took place on ‘Sashti’ evening by the lighting of the lamp by the senior ladies of our BAS community. Ladies who have seen the association grow from its inception and have played an active role. This was followed by two musical programs by the members. The evening ended with dancing to the foot-tapping beats of ‘Dandiya’ which is an integral part of the Navratri season.
The next day ‘ Saptami’ was filled with the musical extravagance of song and dance by members. Children also played an active role in all of these. Confluence brought guest artists from Guru Debaprasad Nritya Dhara to exhibit beautiful Odissi performances. The audience was spellbound by the ballet and Chinese dance performances by the students and teachers of NAFA. The evening ended with the much-awaited dazzling Fashion Show presented by the members.
‘Ashtami’ started with an informative quiz on Singapore. The students of the Chitrakala Arts were invited to offer a presentation of Oddissi and Bharatnatyam performances in front of the deity. This was followed by an electrifying musical performance by BAS member Sandeep Chatterjee and his band.
‘Nabami’ was a uniquely delightful evening which started with a musical show performed by the Bangladeshi migrant workers. This was followed by another melodious performance by the members of ‘HOME’: A charitable organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women migrant workers who find themselves victims of human rights violations and suffer abuse and exploitation. The night ended with the performance of fabulous folk songs by Tama De from India.
‘Dashami’ the goddess was bid adieu. The last day of the celebrations saw Tathgatha Sengupta from India enthralling the audience with his musical renditions.
Anandamela 2019
29 September, 2019
An annual BAS tradition before Durga Pujo, marking the beginning of festivities where our members show off their cooking skills by preparing authentic, home-cooked Bengali and other Indian dishes. Members set up stalls selling classics like ‘phuchkas’, ‘chops’, ‘ghugni’, biriyani, sandesh and even ‘nolen gurer’ ice creams.
Mahalaya
28th September, 2019
This year Mahalaya was celebrated on the 28th September at Sri Thendayuthapani Temple. The programme was jointly organised by BAS and BUSS. Mr. Subhendu Mukherjee directed the BAS team. It was a morning of melodious music, vocals and dance.
Puja Bazaar
25th August, 2019
BAS organised a day of shopping and fun for their members at their Puja Bazaar. Held on 25th August from 10 am to 5 pm at the Chinese Swimming Club, Singapore, the event saw a host of vendors displaying their colourful wares. Clothes, home accessories and even food items like pickles were on sale.
Members were spoilt for choice and while taking a break from shopping they could sample some tasty treats.
Panch Murthy & Abhisarika
17 August, 2019
Some of BAS’s best talents gathered at the NTUC Auditorium for a trip down the nostalgia lane. Our youngest members set the stage with a play crafted and directed by Mrs. Suchandra Guha, invoking the legend of Sukumar Ray’s beloved ‘Pagla Dashu,’ the schoolboy who refused to abide by rules and hated being reprimanded. That was followed by two Raindranath Tagore classics, Pujarini and Shapmochan, sewn together into a dance drama by Mrs. Srabonti Dutta.
Borsho Boron
11 May, 2019
‘Borsho Boron’ was an event to celebrate the Bengali New Year and it was held at the Matrix Auditorium in Biopolis. It featured two programs— ’Swapno,’ a dance recital centred around modern Bengali songs performed by live singers, and ‘Hey Krishna,’ which portrayed Lord Krishna in a gamut of perspectives.
Norok Guljar
4 May, 2019
The long-awaited play, ‘Norok Guljar’, based on noted Bengali playwright Manoj Mitra was directed by BAS member Indranil Banerjee. It was staged at the Singapore Repertory Theatre. The play is a satire on how corrupt feudal lords, businesspeople and pseudo ‘gurus’ make the everyday person’s life feel like a living hell on Earth.
60th Annual General Meeting and EOGM
20 April, 2019
The AGM agenda included the presentation and approval of the BAS annual report and audited accounts, the election of the new management committee, and appointment of auditor for the year. The EOGM agenda included changes to BAS constitution and the resolution on formation of a special committee to look for a permanent office for the organisation.
Holi 2019
24 March, 2019
Holi is the Indian festival of colours. It was celebrated at Myra’s @ The Stadium, where members of all ages gathered for a celebration filled with colours, adda, some pulsating music from the in-house DJ and an appetising lunch.
Saraswati Pujo 2019
10 February, 2019
Saraswati Pujo was celebrated in the Grand Patros Ballroom at the Singapore Chinese Swimming Club. Members participated in ‘anjali’, ‘hate khori’, ‘bhog’ and enjoyed a lunch spread comprising ‘khichuri’, ‘beguni’, ‘paneer’ and ‘labra’.
Lakshmi Pujo 2018
24 October, 2018
Following age-old traditions and customs, we celebrated Lakshmi Pujo at the same venue as Durga Pujo. With the pujo, “anjali”, “bhog”, “prasad” and “dinner”, it was the culmination of festivities for the year.
Durga Pujo & Confluence 2018
15 October, 2018 – 19 October, 2018
Dugra Pujo was celebrated on the ground between Owen Road and Burmah Road. Celebrations were inaugurated by the High Commissioner of India in Singapore, His Excellency Jawed Ashraf. By far, one of Singapore’s biggest cultural celebrations, it was celebrated by both BAS members and non-members alike, inside an air-conditioned tent with around 15,000 people in attendance over the 5-day period.
Confluence 2018 was a BAS-hosted event that ran alongside Durga Pujo celebrations. It celebrated Singapore’s racial, cultural and religious diversity, featuring different communities coming together in an unique manner to showcase their cultures and traditions.
Anandamela 2018
14 October, 2018
Anandamela was a food fair that demonstrated the culinary skills and talent of our members. It featured an evening where everyone got to enjoy the varied tastes of Bengal and relish the traditional delicacies. The event was held at the Grand Patros Ballroom at the Singapore Chinese Swimming Club.
Mahalaya 2018
6 October, 2018
Durga Pujo 2018 started with the Mahalaya celebration, which included the revered ritual of “Agomoni” songs of Ma Durga, portraying the triumph of good over evil. The programme was held at the Thendayuthapani Temple in Tank Road; it was a joint event held with BUSS.
Lakshmi Pujo 2017
5 October, 2017
Lakshmi Pujo was celebrated at the same venue as Durga Pujo, marking an end to the festivities for the year, with “anjali”, “prasad”, “bhog” and dinner.
Durga Pujo 2017 & Bijoya Sommeloni
26 September, 2017 – 30 September, 2017
Durga Pujo was held on the ground between Owen Road and Burmah Road. It was inaugurated by the High Commissioner of India in Singapore, His Excellency Jawed Ashraf. Festivities were inspired by the concept of “mile sur mera tumhara, to sur bane hamar,” highlighting cultural and racial harmony in Singapore and India alike. With its theme of cultural integration, the Pujo was attended by BAS members and non-members alike and there was a multitude of performances by our talented members as well as external groups.
Anandamela 2017
24 September, 2017
Anandamela, BAS’ annual food fair held to mark the start of Durga Pujo festivities, was held at the Lee Foundation Hall at the Singapore Khalsa Association. The event was inaugurated by the Deputy High Commissioner of India in Singapore, His Excellency Ninad S Deshpande.
Mahalaya 2017
17 September, 2017
Durga Pujo celebrations began with Mahalaya, which included a song and dance performance depicting the triumph of good over evil. The programme was held at the Ramkrishna Mission, Singapore and was inaugurated by Maharaj Vimokhshanandaji.
Jugantor 2017
27 August, 2017
Jugantor, directed under the guidance of Mr Sandeep Chatterjee, featured almost 100 BAS members from all age groups. It was a blend of art and culture, in the form of music, dance and drama depicting changes in the history of socio-cultural eras of Bengal. The event was held at the Khoo Auditorium.
Pujo Bazaar 2017
19 August, 2017
The Pujo Bazaar saw a variety of stalls set up, selling an eclectic mix of sarees, kurtis, kids collections, mehendi, paintings, jewellery and more. There was a free photo shoot that was a major draw among members.
Bong-O-Connection 2017
22 July, 2017
Bong-O-Connection was an exclusive two-hour musical performance by eminent Bengali artist, Mr Rupankar Bagchi, and his team of musicians from Kolkata. BAS organised. Members had the chance to interact with Mr Bagchi through photo sessions and autograph signing.
Noboborsho 2017
22 April, 2017
The Noboborsho event was held at the Khoo Auditorium, with over 300 members and guests in attendance. Highlights of the evening was a musical, with 21 participants and seven musicians involved. Guests were also welcomed with hand-written greeting cards, designed by a BAS member artist.
58th Annual General Meeting
16 April, 2017
The 58th BAS Annual General Meeting began with a welcome address, followed by the presentation and approval of audited accounts and ended with the election of a new management committee.
Holi 2017
12 March, 2017
Holi was celebrated at Myras @ The Stadium. The event was jointly hosted by the 2016 and 2017 BAS management committees, where members enjoyed food, music and played with colours.
Saraswati Pujo 2017
1 February, 2017
Saraswati Pujo marked the start of festivities for the new year as members gathered to offer their prayers at the Royal Palm Singapore.