This quick guide will tell you everything you need to know about celebrating Pongal in Singapore...
Just like Thaipusam and Deepavali, Pongal is a popular festival celebrated by Hindus in Singapore. This is when Little India comes to life with activities to commemorate the harvest festival. If you have no clue what we’re talking about, fret not. We’ve put together a helpful guide to give you a quick understanding of the vibrant festivities.
Guide to Pongal in Singapore
1. What is Pongal?
Pongal means “to boil” in Tamil and it’s celebrated widely in South India over four days (14 to 17 January 2024). It’s the time when farmers give thanks to the Sun God, Surya, for their bountiful harvest. While Singapore isn’t exactly rolling in farms, the festival also marks the start of the auspicious month in the Tamil calendar, Thai.
2. How do people celebrate?
The four-day festival starts with Bhogi Pongal. Hindus tidy their homes and toss out unwanted things in a metaphorical nod to a fresh start. In the villages, cows are revered with painted horns. And people offer prayers to Indra, the god of lightning, thunder, rains and river flows.
Next up, Surya Pongal. Hindu devotees pay their respect to the Sun God by boiling a pot of rice and milk at the crack of dawn. Remember the meaning of Pongal? The rice and milk overflow as the act symbolises prosperity and good fortune. It’s also common to light up oil lamps and decorate the floors with coloured rice flour, aka kolam.
The third day pays tribute to the cows for their hard work. Who remembers the adorable animal parade in Little India in 2019 when cattle were adorned with flowers and red turmeric powder?
Finally, Kannum Pongal marks the end of the festivities. Families host reunions, children get blessings from their elders and many visit the temple on this special day. These strengthen the ties between loved ones and the community.
3. What’s happening during Pongal in Singapore?
This year, the Indian Heritage Centre has an exciting line-up of cultural activities (till 14 January) to usher in the auspicious month. This year’s theme is The Sun, which is an ode to the largest star in our solar system. It’s to honour the sun’s warmth and radiance, as well as its critical role in the cycles of nature and abundant harvests.
Start by catching the harvest dance and storytelling workshop. Perfect for any of our readers with little ones, they can learn how the sun’s movement is celebrated in India through Pongal and Sankranti. The session combines storytelling, dance, and yoga movements in this parent-child-friendly activity.
Take a moment to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy an exclusive tour of Kranji Farm to get a first-hand look at the essence of the harvest season. Or opt for the celebrity edition of the Little India Trail. Sessions are led by content creator Darshen Kunaseharan and Oli DJ Sajini who’ll be taking you on a shopping spree. Browse stalls around Campbell Lane and Little India while learning about Pongal and its significance to them. The tour ends at the Indian Heritage Centre with a sweet pongal, which is the must-have dish for the festival.
The Indian Heritage Centre even has an online portal for you to celebrate Pongal behind the screen. Learn everything about the harvest festival, including what goes into the pot, traditional folk dances and how it’s celebrated in the city with the “Pongalo Pongal!” interactive learning portal.
Who’s ready to experience Pongal in Singapore?
[This article was originally published in 2020 by and updated in 2024 by Ashe Liao.]