Who We Are?

Belfast Malayali Association (BMA) is a migrant cultural organisation for Northern Ireland Kerala migrants. Our vision is to empower and uplift the Kerala migrant community in Northern Ireland through the promotion, preservation, and celebration of our language, cultural heritage, arts, food culture, and Indian films which are a blend of all art forms, while providing opportunities for professional enhancement and fostering a better life for all members of our community in Belfast and beyond.

Our aims are to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the Kerala migrant community in Northern Ireland, foster a sense of community and belonging among members, promote understanding and appreciation of the community’s culture among the broader society, empower and support members in navigating and adapting to life in Northern Ireland, advocate for the rights and needs of the community, create opportunities for members to share and celebrate their culture, provide opportunities for professional enhancement, and showcase the blend of all art forms through Indian films and its importance in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Kerala migrants in Northern Ireland.

To achieve our objectives, we organise events and activities that showcase and celebrate the community’s arts and food culture, such as Onam, Christmas, Vishu, Easter, and other family gatherings. Additionally, we promote sports activities and celebrate a sports day annually, along with family gatherings. We are committed to achieving the UN Sustainable Goals through our events and activities. Consequently, we consider the peace activities of Belfast City Council and the Cultural Diversity Strategy of Belfast City Council essential. As a result, we are planning to organise environmentally friendly events, such as cleaning the park during Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations. We acknowledge that Mahatma Gandhi is a symbol of peace, and his values are aligned with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Goals. Thus, we aim to encourage a peaceful and harmonious life in Belfast.

We facilitate volunteer activities and cultural integration by providing volunteers for events such as the Belfast Marathon, Belfast International Arts Festival, and Cancer Foundation activities. Additionally, we are planning to launch a special initiative that supports and welcomes newcomers and students to Belfast.

Belfast Malayali Association (BMA) is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Kerala migrant community in Northern Ireland. We foster community and belonging by providing resources, support, and opportunities for cultural sharing, professional development, and advocacy. Through regular meetings, outreach, education, and showcasing our rich blend of art forms, we empower and uplift our community.