Pongal 2025 in Singapore takes place from 13 to 16 January and this is a time when Little India and institutions such as the Indian Heritage Centre get ready to celebrate the traditional harvest festival.
Pongal 2025 Singapore
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.
Celebrating Pongal 2025 in Singapore: Events & Activities
Here are some events and activities taking place as part of Pongal 2025 in Singapore.
Indian Heritage Centre Pongal Open House 2025
Celebrate the harvest season at the Indian Heritage Centre’s Pongal Open House which takes place over the weekend of 11 and 12 January.
A visit to the farmer-themed Indian Heritage Centre Pongal Open House 2025 includes a chance to experience:
- A Farmer’s Market (10 am to 5 pm)
- Free tea & snacks (11.30 am and 3 pm)
- Harvest games (10 am to 5 pm)
- Free craft activities (10 am to 5 pm)
- Free henna (10 am to 5 pm)
Here are the highlights of family-friendly activities and events taking place at the Indian Heritage Centre’s Pongal 2025 Open House.
Pongal Special Activity Booklets
Celebrate the vibrant festival of Pongal with the Indian Heritage Centre’s engaging and educational activity booklets.
Inside these specially designed booklets, there’s a variety of fantastic activities that help kids explore basic concepts related to Pongal – from the significance of the harvest festival to the symbolic meaning of each day within the festival; from the traditional foods enjoyed during the festival to the meaningful rituals associated with the festival.
It’s a fun way to foster early learning and introduce kids to the festive spirit of Pongal. Pick up an activity booklet – available in two versions for different age groups (4 years and above and 8 years and above) – at the Indian Heritage Centre.
Pongal Festive Installation
The lobby at Indian Heritage Centre has been transformed into a series of stations that share the essence and traditions of Pongal. Learn about its significance and the customs associated with the harvest festival.
The Pongal Festive Installation at Indian Heritage Centre is on display till end January 2025.
Interactive Photo Booth
Step into the shoes of a farmer at the interactive photo booth! Wear a farmer’s hat and take photos of yourself plowing fields alongside cattle in the themed setup at Indian Heritage Centre. The interactive photo booth is on display till end January 2025.
Pongal Pot Face Painting
Children can join in the festivities by getting Pongal pot designs painted on their faces – a funway to connect with the traditions of the festival. This activity takes place on 11 and 12 January, 10 am to 5 pm.
Free Craft Activities
Enjoy free craft activities at the Indian Heritage Centre. Kids can cecorate a bag with a Pongal pot design using fabric markers and take home a little piece of the festival. There are also festive-themed colouring sheets that showcase Pongal traditions. These free craft activities are available on 11 and 12 January, 10 am to 5 pm.
Pongal Harvest Games
Try your hand at activities inspired by farming and agriculture. Through these games, discover different farming practices and enjoy small goodies for participation. These games are available on 11 and 12 January, 10 am to 5 pm.
Tea and Snacks
Experience the warmth of Pongal with a serving of sweet Pongal and masala tea, made with ingredients that celebrate the harvest, on 11 and 12 January, 11.30 am and 3 pm.
Pongal Farmer’s Market
Take a walk-through stalls offering items tied to agriculture, farming and Indian culture. Explore and support products that connect us to the land. The Pongal Farmer’s Market is available on 11 and 12 January, 10 am to 5 pm.
Free Henna
Celebrate with a simple, natural henna design, available on 11 and 12 January, 11 am to 5 pm.
Live Folk Concert
Enjoy traditional folk performances that reflect the vibrancy of rural life during the harvest season. These lively dances and music celebrate the hard work and joy of farmers. This takes place on 11 and 12 January, 10.30 am and 2 pm.
Pongal Brunch Trail (Ticketed)
There is also a ticketed Pongal Brunch Find out the important role agriculture plays in Pongal and learn about the vegetables used in Indian cuisine and end the trail with a scrumptious vegetarian banana leaf rice meal. Get more details about and register for the Pongal Brunch Trail.
Other Pongal Celebrations 2025 in Little India
In addition to the Pongal Open House at Indian Heritage Centre, there will be other Pongal Celebrations taking place around Little India organised by the Little India Shopkeepers’ Association.
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 Thursday, 9 January 2025. 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 will be open till 18 January 2025.
Pongal Light Up Ceremony and Show
Little India gets decorated with festive lights as part of the Pongal street light up to mark the commencement of the Pongal season. For 2025, the Pongal light up ceremony will be held on Friday, 10 January 2025 at Poli @ Clive Street.
You can also experience a specially curated bus tour that includes a detour through Little India during the festive Pongal season. Admire the festive streetlights adorned in celebration, creating a vibrant atmosphere. This guided excursion will enchant you with the key highlights of Little India, concluding at Race Course Road, just outside Gayathri Restaurant. The special Big Bus tour takes place on 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 January and 1, 7 and 8 February with the pick up at Orchard Hotel. Get more details about the Big Bus Tour.
Pot Painting Workshop
Take part in a pot painting workshop on 11 January, 10 am and 18 January, 3 pm at Tekka Place.
Children’s Colouring Contest
On 19 January, 10 am, 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. Register for the Colouring Contest.
Mass Pongal Celebration
The Mass Pongal event on Saturday, 18 January 2025, 10 am 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. register for the Mass Pongal celebration.
Pongal Events in the Community
Pongal at Punggol Coast
Experience the joy and traditions of Pongal at Punggol Coast’s Punggolil Pongal 2025. This takes place on Sunday, 26 January, 10 am to 1.30 pm, at the One Punggol, Level 5 Multi-purpose Hall. Tickets are priced at $12 per person. Get more details about Punggolil Pongal 2025.
Pongal Indian Harvest Festival at Toa Payoh
Join the event on 18 January 2025 organised by Toa Payoh Central CC with activities like Pongal Live Cooking Demo, Children Stage Games, Cultural hands-on activities for Children and Indian Harvest Folk Dances. Registration is required. Get more details about this Pongal event.
