Pongal 2010 (The Harvest Festival) at Little India, Singapore

Pongal (The Harvest Festival) is celebrated in January each year. This festival has its origins in South India where farming is a major activity. Pongal is the celebration of a good harvest. In modern Singapore, Pongal festival is also celebrated as the commencement of the auspicious Tamil Month of Thai. Pongal is ever popular here in Singapore as it is a joyous festive which represents the tradition of giving thanks for all good things.

Pongal is celebrated over four days. On the first day, Bhogi, old clothes and things are discarded making the beginning of a new life. The second day, Pongal is celebrated by boiling fresh milk, rice and sugar eearly in the morning in a new pot and allowing it to boil over. This sweet dish is then offered to the Gods for many blessings once receive during the year. People prepare savouries and sweets, visit each other’s home and exchange greetings.

The third day, Mattu Pongal, is the day when cows are honoured – for plouging the fields and for the milk they provide. On the last day, cattle are bathed, their horns polished and painted in bright colours, and flower garlands placed around their necks. On the last day, Kaanum Pongal, younger members of the family pay respect to the elders.

LISHA organizes this traditional event to enhance the vibrancy and liveliness of Little India. Pongal Festival Celebration will take place over nine days at Little India from 09 January to 17 January 2010.

Festival Highlights:

15 Jan 2010 (Fri) 2:30pm

Prayers - Honouring the Cattle

16 Jan 2010 (Sat) 4pm

Mass Pongal - Pongal cooking competition by 15 families

Photos: Eugene Tang/SingaporeSights. All Rights Reserved.