Over two weekends, on 10, 11, 17 and 18 January, the Indian Heritage Centre is holding its annual Pongal Open House 2026, inviting visitors to the warmth of a village-themed celebration that spotlights the significance of community during the harvest celebrations.
Indian Heritage Centre’s Pongal Open House
Pay a visit to the Pongal Open House at Indian Heritage Centre to be immersed in the traditions of Pongal through live demonstrations that celebrate craft and cuisine, and family-friendly games and activities.
Live Cultural Performances and Demonstrations
Immerse yourself in vibrant folk performances and dramatised storytelling skits that bring the vibrancy of village life to the stage. Enjoy these live performances on 10, 11, 17 and 18 January, 11 am to 4 pm and soak in the festive spirit with the community. Take note that performances on 18 Jan will start at 2pm.
On the first weekend, 10 and 11 January, watch master potter Shri V.K. Munusamy from Villianur, India, as he crafts miniature Pongal pots during a live pottery demonstration.
Also look out for live Pongal cooking demonstrations on 10 and 11 January, 2 pm to 3 pm, that reveals the stories behind the beloved harvest dish.
Lobby Activities
Discover bite-sized fun facts on Pongal through games, interactive panels and festive booths such as dress up booths at the Lobby of the Indian Heritage Centre on 10, 11, 17 and 18 February.
You can even try winnowing rice at one of the stations.
Visitors can also enjoy complimentary treats and beverages as part of the Pongal festivities.
Drop in Craft Activities
Head up to the L2 Special Exhibition Gallery to enjoy various free, drop-in craft activities.
- DIY Cattle Toy (10 & 11 January 2026) Decorate your very own cattle toy, inspired by traditional hand-carved Indian folk designs.
- Pongal Pot Pin (17 & 18 January 2026) Paint and personalise a mini Pongal pot pin – perfect for adding a festive touch to your clothes, bags, or accessories.
- Pongal Charm Keychain (10, 11, 17 & 18 January 2026) Mix and match Pongal-themed charms to design your own personalised festive keychain.
- Colouring Sheets (10, 11, 17 & 18 January 2026) Choose from four Pongal-themed colouring sheets.
Pongal Festive Market
On 10 and 11 January, 10 am to 5 pm, visitors can browse a curated selection of unique finds at the Pongal Festive Market at the L2 Special Exhibition Gallery and show their support for local Indian home-based businesses.
Paid Workshops & Activities
Want to learn the techniques behind classical South Indian art forms? Join various workshops and activities being held on 10 and 11 January.
Take part in the hands-on Pulli Kolam Workshop and Tanjore Art Workshop or discover how rural customs come alive in modern-day Little India with the Village Trail & Banana Leaf Pongal Meal.
Kids can also join in a playful Mongal Pongal – Interactive Children Storytelling session and dive into the festive spirit of Pongal through interactive storytelling, craft-making and music.
Registration for the activities can be done at this link.
More Things to Do Around Little India During Pongal
After paying a visit to the Pongal Open House at Indian Heritage Centre, you can take a walk around the corner to view the Pongal Cattle Farm, or stay till the evening when the festive lights along Serangoon Road comes on.
