Mediacorp is set to mark this year’s Deepavali with a grand celebration of music, dance, and togetherness through its annual countdown show Amarkala Deepavali, which will go live on October 19 from 10.00 pm to 12.10 am on mewatch, Mediacorp Entertainment’s YouTube channel, and Vasantham.
The 19th edition of the festive special, themed “Namma Deepavali” (Our Deepavali), aims to celebrate unity, love, and family bonds as Singapore ushers in the Festival of Lights.
Celebrating traditions and talent
Hosted by popular artistes Alawdwin Ali, Karthikeyan Somasundaram, Maahes Chandiras, Puravalan Narayanasamy, Shamini G, and Udaya Soundari, the live show will blend music, dance, and storytelling in a vibrant showcase of Deepavali traditions. A central family narrative will run through the programme, highlighting themes of forgiveness and generosity that reflect the essence of the festival.
The show will feature a diverse line-up of musical and dance acts by local performers, including singers Prajeeth, Prasana, Sharon Shobana, Suthasini, V. Suriamurthi, Vicknesvari Vadivalagan, Vijay Anand, and Yacob.
Dance troupes such as Isharazz, the Ministry of Dance (MOF), NUS Naach, and Rameshwara Dancers will deliver high-energy performances. Adding a regional flair, acclaimed South Indian singer and voice actress Chinmayi will also perform on stage.
A live crossover from Little India, hosted by Nisha Kumar and Thavanesan Sivananthan, will connect viewers to the vibrant street celebrations and lead up to a midnight countdown welcoming the Festival of Lights.
Festive programmes and community spirit
Beyond the live show, Vasantham will present a full line-up of Deepavali programmes from 17 to 21 October, including blockbuster films and festive specials in multiple Indian languages.
Among the featured movies are Thug Life (Tamil), Mazaka (Telugu), Banaras (Kannada), Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi), and Thalaivan Thalaivii (Tamil). The channel will also air Konjam Uppu Konjam Kaaram, a heartwarming telemovie about love, family, and rediscovery during the festive season.
Variety programmes such as Visheasha Kondattam, packed with dance, music, and friendly celebrity competitions, and Thirunaal Thiruvizha, featuring cook-offs, interviews, and musical acts, will add to the celebrations.
Mediacorp has also launched digital content under its #NammaDeepavali campaign, including a new music video and Reel vs Real, a four-part social series on TikTok and Instagram exploring how Deepavali is celebrated in the digital age.
The campaign began on 6 September with the Deepavali Light-Up Ceremony and Utsavam Street Parade, held with the Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association (LISHA).
As part of its outreach efforts, Mediacorp partnered with HEB Ashram, a halfway house for ex-offenders, to promote inclusion and reintegration through a special event at the Singapore Khalsa Association on 30 September.
The celebrations also extended to a Namma Deepavali roadshow at Tekka Place on 4 October, followed by street performances at the Indian Heritage Centre on 11 October, featuring familiar Vasantham artistes.
