Pongal 2024 in Singapore takes place from 15 to 18 January 2024 and this is a time when Little India and institutions such as the Indian Heritage Centre get ready to celebrate the harvest festival.
The Pongal festival gets its name from a dish of sweet boiled rice. The signature dish pongal is one where rice is boiled with milk and brown sugar in new clay pots till it overflows. Cheers of “pongalo pongal!” (hail Pongal!) erupt when the pot of rice froths and boils over, to signify wishes for overflowing fortunes for the new year.
What is the Pongal Festival?
The Pongal festival marks the end of the winter solstice and is celebrated in different parts of India and by Tamils all over the world.
Pongal is celebrated in Singapore at the start of the month of Thai.
Bhogi Pongal, the first day, is celebrated with the worship of Lord Indra, the Ruler of Clouds and Giver of Rain. To mark a new beginning, a thorough spring cleaning done and old possessions are removed. Homes are also decorated for the Pongal celebrations.
Surya Pongal, the second day, is when the Sun God is honoured. A pot of rice with milk is cooked and allowed to boil over to symbolise prosperity. The cooked rice is also offered up to Surya the Sun God.
Cows are honoured for their role in the harvest on the third day, Mattu Pongal. The sacred animals are pampered, washed and have their horns are painted and decorated. They may also be dressed in fresh flowers, embellished with garments and given lots of treats.
The fourth day, called Kannum Pongal, is about community ties with younger family members seeking the blessing of the elders. Families will also gather together for a meal.
Pongal 2024 in Singapore: Events & Activities
Here are some events and activities taking place as part of Pongal 2024 in Singapore.
Indian Heritage Centre Pongal Open House 2024
Celebrate the harvest season at the Indian Heritage Centre’s sun-themed Pongal Open House over two weekends in January. Go on a Pongal trails, embark on a Kranji Farm tours, engage in free crafts, and enjoy performances at the Centre.
The Indian Heritage Centre Pongal Open House 2024 takes place over two weekends: 6 to 7 January and 13 to 14 January.
Other activities that visitors to the Indian Heritage Centre Pongal Open House 2024 can look forward to include:
- Festive Pongal installations (6 to 14 January)
- Free Pongal tea & snacks (6, 7, 13, and 14 January, 12 pm to 1 pm, and 3 pm to 4 pm)
- Gallery tours (6 and 13 January, 2 pm)
- Free henna (6, 7, 13, and 14 January, 2 pm to 4 pm)
Here are more highlights of activities and events taking place for Pongal 2024.
Karagam Making Workshop
Discover the cultural heritage and essential techniques of tying a Karagam under the tutelage of experienced instructors who will guide you as you create your own masterpiece to bring home.
This is free but ticketed workshop on 6 January 2024, 11.30 am to 1 pm. Reserve your free tickets here.
Harvest Dance & Storytelling
Enjoy interactive storytelling at the Pongal festival. Discover how Surya, the sun’s movement, is observed and celebrated across the states in India, how the yogis perform sun salutation and take home a DIY craft that traces the Sun’s movement from our home.
This is a ticketed event that will be held on 13 January 2024, 10.30 am to 11.15 am. Purchase tickets here.
Little India Heritage Trail – Celebrity Edition
Join celebrities Darshen Kunaseharan and Sajini as they take you on a walking trail along Campbell Lane and Little India to pick up necessities for the festivities. Discover the importance of Pongal, what is involved in the preparations for the Pongal celebrations and how it is celebrated by your celebrity guide.
The Little India Heritage Trail – Celebrity Edition takes place on 11 & 12 January 2024, 6.30 pm to 8 pm.
This is a ticketed event. Purchase tickets here.
Kranji Farm Tour
Go on a tour around Kranji on 13 January 2024. Organised by the Indian Heritage Centre, this is a chance to experience Tamil heritage and learn about the Pongal festival.
This year’s Kranji Farm Tour takes place on 13 January 2024, 10 am to 1 pm, and 3 pm to 6 pm. Purchase tickets here.
Cattle Farm
Little India gets a mini cattle farm for Pongal. The grand arrival of the cattle will be taking place at Hastings Road on Friday, 5 January 2024. Marvel at the meticulous decorations adorning the path as the cattle make their grand entrance, marking the beginning of a joyous occasion. The Cattle Farm is open till 16 January 2024.
Pongal Street Light Up & Big Bus Tour
Little India gets decorated with festive lights as part of the Pongal street light up to mark the commencement of the Pongal season. For 2024, the Pongal light up ceremony will be held on 6 January 2024 at Poli @ Clive Street, showcasing the cultural richness of the Indian community.
One way to experience the festive street lights is to sign up for a Big Bus Tour. This is taking place on 15, 16 and 17 January 2024. Find out more details on how to register here.
Children’s Colouring Contest
On 13 January 2024, young artists can take part in a colouring contest. There are different age categories available including 5 to 6 years old, 7 to 12 years old, and 13 to 16 years old. Stand to win prizes too!
Get more details about the Children’s Colouring Contest.
Mass Pongal Celebration
The Mass Pongal event on 20 January 2024 transcends cultural barriers, promoting unity and inclusivity. The celebration involves communal cooking, cultural events, and social initiatives, fostering a sense of togetherness among diverse communities. Through this inclusive approach, Mass Pongal exemplifies the richness that diversity brings to society. Find out more details here.
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy reading about the Pongal cattle farm at Little India.
