Tamilians in Singapore celebrated ‘Pongal’ with piety and entertainment, as their counterparts in India and other parts of the world did on January 14.
Pongal is a traditional thanksgiving celebration in South India, especially Tamil Nadu, marking the end of the harvest season.
The festival also pays tribute to the Sun, Earth and Cattle, which form the essence of agriculture.
“Pongal’ comes from the word ‘ponga,’ which means boil or boil over’; the pot of Pongal (a sweet and sticky rice mixed with milk, rice and jaggery) is allowed to boil over as a sign of prosperity.
The rice is traditionally cooked at sunrise, shouting ‘Pongalo Pongal.’
Singapore scene
This festival falls in mid-January, denoting the auspicious beginning of ‘Uttrayanam,’ the Sun’s journey northwards.
Pongal is observed over four days, as Bhogi Pongal, Pongal, Mattu Pongal (honouring cattle) and Kaanum Pongal (for the young).
As usual, Singapore’s ‘Little India’ witnessed prayers at Temples and brisk business at retail stores and restaurants.
This year’s celebrations included a number of folk performances and harvesting demonstrations, while festive bazaars were held at a number of venues including Campbell Lane, Hastings Road and Serangoon Road.
Visitors witnessed rituals and customs at these colourful events.
The festival village buzzed with stalls selling colourful Indian dresses, intricate jewellery, costumes and arts and crafts.
Apart from Indian delicacies, several festive items such as sugar cane, turmeric plants, ginger plants, colourful pots and wooden spatulas, Pongal recipes and religious items were sold.
The streets of Little India were transformed with stunning festive themes of lights and colourful decorations.
Understanding culture
In multi-racial, multi-religious Singapore, celebrations like Pongal festival promote and enhance cross-cultural understanding as a true reflection of the nation’s rich multi-cultural heritage and diversity.
Such festivals enable the communities to understand and appreciate the different cultures and religions present in Singapore, contributing in turn to the social and communal cohesion of Singapore.
Although Pongal originated in South India, it has today expanded to several countries where Tamils have migrated.
It is one of the largest Hindu festivals celebrated in Singapore and in other South East Asian countries, particularly, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand.
Numerous Temples have been established (see previous issues of Indian Newslink) in these diverse immigrant countries and Tamil cultural activities take place with deep involvement on a communal spread.
Hindu temples ring with rhythmic sounds of bells, drums, clarinets and conch shells as the Tamil community celebrate various festivals.
