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 harvest festival celebrated by South Indian Hindus in Singapore. This is when Little India comes to life with activities to commemorate the harvest festival. Not familiar with Pongal? Don’t worry – we’ve put together a helpful guide to give you a quick understanding of the vibrant festivities and how Pongal is celebrated in Singapore.
Guide to Pongal in Singapore
What is Pongal?
Pongal, meaning “to boil over” in Tamil, is a vibrant four-day harvest festival celebrated widely in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Falling between 13 and 16 January 2025, it marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the Tamil month of Thai – an auspicious time in the Tamil calendar. This festival is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to honour prosperity and abundance. It also aligns with Makara Sankranti in the Hindu solar calendar, making it a shared celebration across various Indian communities.
While we might not be a land of sprawling farms, Pongal in Singapore holds cultural and spiritual significance for South Indian Hindus here and is celebrated with much enthusiasm. Think light-ups and festive decorations at Little India, a Pongal bazaar at Campbell Lane featuring everything from fresh produce like sugar cane to traditional sweets, and cultural performances.
How do people celebrate?
The 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 or Thai 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, and is then made into a sweet dessert called, you guessed it, Pongal. It’s also common to light up oil lamps and decorate the floors with coloured rice flour (kolam).
The third day is Mattu Pongal, where Hindus pay tribute to 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.
Pongal events in Singapore
Stocked to experience the festival for yourself? You’re in luck as every year, the Indian Heritage Centre (IHC), hosts a bevy of events and this year’s no different. Here are the coolest Pongal events to check out in Singapore.
1. Pongal Open House 2025
11 – 12 January
Get ready for a harvest of fun at the Indian Heritage Centre’s Pongal Open House – admission is free! This year’s lineup is packed with exciting activities for the whole family. The team is bringing a paddy field to us. The steps within the Indian Heritage Centre have been transformed into a bright and vibrant paddy field backdrop for photo opportunities.
Inside, kids can step into a farm installation and become a farmer for a day by learning how rice is cultivated, plus give planting and sieving it a go while learning more about the importance of cattle. Other craft activities include decorating their own Pongal pot design on a drawstring bag, colouring, and a Pongal activity booklet that takes them through the festival. You’re also invited to get your face painted or get free henna done (from 12pm to 2pm) to really immerse yourself into the festivities. Afterwards, indulge in some Pongal and chai (11.30am and 3pm) before taking a walk through the farmer’s market which offers items tied to agriculture, farming, and Indian culture.
Oh, and be sure to get yourself a good spot to watch the live folk concert happening at 10.30am and 2pm each day.
Pongal Open House 2025, 10am – 5pm, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
2. Pongal Banana Leaf Brunch & Trail
11 – 12 January
We’ll never say no to a banana leaf meal. Step into the heart of Little India with an immersive Pongal trail that celebrates the cultural and agricultural roots of this vibrant harvest festival. Guided by a festive tour expert, you’ll explore the rich traditions, festive highlights, and stories behind Pongal. The experience ends with a delish vegetarian banana leaf brunch that’s as educational as it is delicious.
Expect a delightful spread featuring sweet and savoury Pongal rice, crispy vadai, tangy sambar, and more, paired with hot masala tea or coffee. As you feast, learn about the nutritional value of these dishes and watch a live demo of how Pongal is traditionally prepared.
Pongal Banana Leaf Brunch & Trail, $25/pax, 10.30am, meet at Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
3. Pongal events in your neighbourhood
All month
Looking to celebrate Pongal in your ‘hood? You’re in for a treat! The People’s Association has curated an exciting array of Pongal festivities happening across Singapore. From fun cooking demos to rangoli competitions to lively dance and music performances, there’s something for everyone.
OnePA Pongal events, various timings and locations including Toa Payoh Central CC, Tampines West CC, and Fernvale CC
Who’s ready to experience Pongal in Singapore?
[This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2025 by Ashe Liao.]
