Malayalee Cultural Association Calgary Celebrates Women’s Day with Unprecedented Success

By: 600037 On: Mar 26, 2025, 4:26 AM

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

 Calgary, AB – March 8th, 2025: The Malayalee Cultural Association Calgary (MCAC) celebrated International Women’s Day with grandeur and style at the Pine Ridge Community Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Spearheaded by MCAC Vice President Anitha Santhosh and her dedicated team, the event was a landmark occasion for the association, receiving praise for its impeccable organization and inclusivity.

The celebration, held from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, attracted over 200 attendees from the  community. Encouraged by last year’s overwhelming response, MCAC secured a large hall to accommodate even more participants. Entry was free and open to both members and non-members, a decision that proved fruitful as the venue buzzed with energy and excitement throughout the event. The event started with a moment silence for one of the pioneers Malayalees, Chacko Varghese who passed away.

 One unique feature of this year’s celebration was the vendor exhibition. A section of the venue was dedicated to over 20 female entrepreneurs and small business owners, who set up stalls showcasing a wide range of products and services. These included food vendors, clothing, jewelry, beauty and bridal studios, henna and face painting services, nail art, real estate consulting, grocery stores, and Holistic nutritional clinics. The opportunity for women-led businesses to promote their offerings was greatly appreciated by both vendors and visitors alike.

 The program continued with fun and engaging activities, including icebreaker games, Zumba dance sessions featuring Bollywood songs led by professional instructor, lucky number games, and various prizes and door prizes, all contributing to a joyful atmosphere. Participants had the chance to share their stories and aspirations on the affirmation wall, while free photo booths captured memorable moments with friends and family.

In her welcome speech, Anitha Santhosh highlighted the association’s successful year in 2024, mentioning programs such as Kerala Nite, Kerala Fest, Onam, and Christmas and New Year celebrations, which saw participation levels increase by 50 to 60% compared to previous years. She expressed her gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support and announced that this year’s Women’s Day celebration was a significant success.

 Anitha also outlined the association’s upcoming programs and ongoing initiatives, including a sports club and a Malayalam school, aimed at fostering cultural and educational engagement within the community. During her speech, she introduced the hardworking committee members who contributed to the event’s success: Renji Pillai (Treasurer), Maya Nambudripad (Youth Coordinator), Anjoom Sadique (Membership Coordinator), Sreedevi Lathish Babu (Newcomer Coordinator), Reshmi Sudheer (Program Coordinator), Lini Saju (Program Coordinator), and Sneha Athamkavil (Program Coordinator).

 The event was officially inaugurated with a cake-cutting ceremony, a symbolic gesture of unity and celebration. As the evening progressed, participants enjoyed the lively atmosphere, delicious food, and engaging activities, leaving with smiles and cherished memories.

 The MCAC’s Women’s Day celebration of 2025 will be remembered as one of the finest events ever organized by the association. It not only provided a platform for women to showcase their entrepreneurial skills but also fostered an environment of friendship and cultural pride.

 As MCAC continues its mission of promoting cultural awareness and community bonding, this year’s Women’s Day celebration stands as evidence of its dedication and commitment to making a positive impact in Calgary’s Malayalee community.

 We extend our gratitude to all the attendees, volunteers, and our Platinum, Gold, Silver, and event sponsors, whose support made this event a great success.

ZUMBA SESSION  - Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

GROUP PICTURE -Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

Exec Comm. Members 2024-2025- Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography  

Vendor Stalls- Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

Vendor Stalls- Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

   Attendees - Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography

   

Photos by Jibi Sanal of @mon_soonphotography