By the Malayalee Cultural Association of Calgary (MCAC)
On a crisp evening in Calgary, the Malayalee Cultural Association of Calgary (MCAC)
showcased the vibrant sights, sounds, and spirit of Kerala in spectacular fashion. Kerala Nite
2025 was more than just an event—it was a powerful celebration of identity, artistry, and unity.
The gathering attracted over 800 enthusiastic guests and was supported by a strong network of
sponsors, volunteers, and families.
Opening with Grace, Gratitude, and Tradition
The evening began with a respectful Land Acknowledgement, recognizing the Indigenous
Peoples whose traditional territories we are privileged to gather upon. This was followed by
a solemn moment of silence in memory of Chacko Varghese, a pioneering figure in Calgary’s
Malayalee community. The tribute honoured the invaluable contributions of community elders
who laid the foundation for the thriving collective we celebrate today.
The Canadian and Indian National Anthems were performed, symbolizing the harmony between
cultural heritage and adopted homeland. A prayer song by students of the Calgary Malayalam
School set a reverent tone for the evening, followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial
oil lamp—a mark of auspicious beginnings—led by MCAC committee members and Platinum
Sponsors.
Following these ceremonies, MCAC President Muhammed Rafeek K delivered the inaugural
address, extending a heartfelt welcome to attendees and highlighting the year’s milestones.
Among them was the exciting announcement that MCAC will represent the Malayalee
community in the 2025 Calgary Stampede Parade—a historic and proud first.
Overwhelming Talent, Perfectly Executed
Organizers were delighted by the overwhelming response to the open call for performances,
receiving over 50 program submissions within just two weeks, prompting early closure. What
truly set Kerala Nite apart was not just the volume of entries, but the remarkable quality, range,
and professionalism of the performances.
The cultural lineup featured a rich mix of classical and cinematic dances, solo vocal
performances, duets, live band sets, and fashion walks, all delivered with passion and poise. The
program brought together talents spanning generations, offering a seamless blend of Kerala’s
traditional roots and the dynamic spirit of its global diaspora.
The over six-hour program was flawlessly executed thanks to program coordinators Lini,
Reshmi, Sneha, and Sreedevi, whose dedication to managing backstage logistics, scheduling, and
performance flow ensured a smooth and memorable experience for all.
Food, Fashion & Community Spirit: The Vendor Hall
The Food and Vendor Hall served as the cultural and social heartbeat of the evening—buzzing
with colour, aroma, and community warmth. Guests savoured culinary delights from popular
vendors such as Ginger Garlic, Olive South Indian, Chai Stories, Dabara Coffee, and Crème N
Crunch Ice Cream.
Beyond the food, attendees explored a vibrant array of ethnic wear, jewelry, crafts, and home
décor from trusted local vendors including AJ’z Couture, Jewel Tales by Tara, Angel's Jewelry,
and Navdeep Collections.
Community spirit was on full display through charitable efforts as well. A Clothing Drive
organized by the Path to Peace Foundation encouraged attendees to contribute gently used
garments for families in need. Alongside this, the Charity Nail Polish Booth, led by Dr. Sylla,
raised funds for social initiatives—reminding us all that celebration can go hand in hand with
compassion and giving back.
High-Energy Hosting & Community Recognition
The event was kept lively and seamless by emcees Subha and Cibi, whose charm, humour, and
smooth transitions kept the audience engaged and the schedule right on track. Their vibrant
presence added energy and relatability to every segment.
More than 250 performers took the stage, representing all age groups. From children making
their debut to seasoned adults delivering polished acts, each performance was filled with
sincerity and cultural pride.
A standout moment was the MCAC Special Recognition Awards, which honoured nine
individuals for their exceptional contributions to the Calgary Malayalee community. Certificates
were also presented to newcomer event presenters, reinforcing MCAC's commitment to
inclusivity and community encouragement.
Malayalee Cultural Association of Calgary (MCAC) recently held a photography contest with
the theme Architectural Photography. The contest received enthusiastic participation from the
community, showcasing stunning images that captured the beauty and uniqueness of architectural
design.
Winners were selected through a combination of public voting and professional review, ensuring
a fair and balanced evaluation. The top five winners were recognized and awarded on stage
during the Kerala Nite celebration, adding to the evening's festive spirit.
Congratulations to all the participants and winners for their incredible talent and creativity!
Framed in Memories: The Photography Team
The joy and spirit of the evening were immortalized by photographers Thomas and Ratheesh,
who masterfully captured the emotion and energy throughout the event.
From the innocence of the opening prayer song to dazzling dance sequences, fashion showcases,
award presentations, and candid audience moments, each frame told a story. These images—now
shared with the community—reflect not just moments, but memories that will be cherished for
years to come.
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