Pongal or the Harvest Festival is celebrated at the start of the auspicious month of Thai which falls on 14 or 15 January. This festival celebrates the dairy produce from cattle and the sun for the harvest. This year, Pongal celebrations in Little India Singapore are being marked with events and activities being held from 5 January to 4 February 2018.
Pongal in Little India 2018 Celebrations
Here are some events and activities to look forward to as part of Pongal in Little India 2018.
Pongal Street Light-Up
5 Jan to 4 Feb
The Pongal Street Light-Up along Serangoon Road will bring festive colour and lights to Little India. The light-up takes place between 5 January to 4 February 2018 between 7 pm to midnight on weekdays and 7 pm to 2 am on weekends. The Light-up Ceremony will take place at 6.30 pm on 5 January 2018 at Campbell Lane.
Pongal Masterclass
6 & 7 Jan, 11 am to 1 pm
On the first day of the new Tamil month, families gather to prepare Pongal (sweet rice) in a new earthenware pot. Visit the Indian Heritage Centre and sit in on a Pongal Masterclass to learn about how the Pongal dish is made at a cooking demonstration.
Pongal Festive Village
10 to 15 Jan, 10 am to 10 pm
Shop for colourful outfits, jewellery and other festive items at the Pongal Festive Village at Campbell Lane.
Mini Animal Farm
12 to 20 Jan, 10 am to 8 pm
Pay a visit to the heritage carnival at Hastings Road to see cows, bulls and goats. There will even be a wooden bullock cart to take pictures with. At 4 pm, 15 January, witness as thanksgiving prayers are said to honour the cattle.
Pongal Heritage Experience
16 to 19 Jan, 10 am to 4 pm
Learn about the traditions of the Pongal Festival and take part in activities such as saree typing, kolam making (drawing using rice flour or chalk) and more.
Pongal Pot Painting
13 & 14 Jan, 11 am to 4 pm
Decorate your own earthen Pongal pot at the Indian Heritage Centre. Or, take part in a Pulli Kolam activity and create decorative, geometric shapes.
Artwalk Little India 2018
18 to 27 Jan
Discover the traditions and history of Little India at Artwalk, a multi-disciplinary art experience incorporating art, murals, music and storytelling around Little India.
