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 2023). 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 15 January) to usher in the auspicious month. For a full-on immersive experience, sign up for IHC Little India Trail. The trail takes you around Campbell Lane to witness the colourful buzz of the Pongal market. You’ll be taken through the early days of Little India, and learn about the significance and importance of the cattle in the Pongal festival. Plus, find out a little more about the history of the cattle trade in the 1840s.
Catch live street performances too! From traditional folk and harvest dances to a classic Indian drumming performance with an accompaniment of song, dance, and martial arts. There’ll also be free craft activities for the whole family to participate in. Roam around the four stations that’ll have you decorating Pongal pot pencil toppers and creating cow fridge magnets and stamps. Or head down for the Tanjore art workshop where you’ll create your very own masterpiece with real gold.
Kids can also take part in an interactive storytelling session. They’ll learn the significance and importance of this four-day festival. As well as the traditions that have been passed on from generation to generation. And for the foodies out there, try your hand at making Pongal outdoors. This cooking workshop will teach you how to cook up traditional sweet rice in an earthenware pot.
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?
