Pongal, the multi-day Tamil Hindu harvest festival is round the corner and LISHA (Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association), which turns 25 this year, continues to hold forth its tradition of promoting Indian culture and supporting commerce in Little India precinct in Singapore.
To mark the festival, there will be a grand streetlight for 1 month, starting from 10 January, 2025 to 10 February 2025 (31 Days) along the streets of Serangoon Road (From Bukit Timah Junction to off Perumal Temple). The lights will be on from 7 PM to 12 AM (daily).
Singapore’s Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthuchery, along with Minister of State Alvin Tan and Indian High Commissioner will inaugurate the event, according to the organisers.
Reminiscing about a parade and the only cattle parade Singapore has ever witnessed, Rajkumar Chandra, Senior Advisor, LISHA, said, “In 1995 we paraded 50 cattle around Campbell lane. It led to unprecedented crowds and traffic jams. Singapore had never seen anything like that.”
A similar parade was held on January 9. The cattle arrived at Clive Street around 5 PM and did a short parade along Campbell Lane before reaching its temporary home the Poli@Clive Street. The display was accompanied by traditional folk dances, stilt walkers, and Indian percussion instruments.
LISHA said cattle display is a tradition every year and the organisation has always worked with Vicknesh Dairy Farm to display the animals for public view. “We want the public to witness and celebrate the animals’ arrival,” a statement from LISHA read.
While a cattle parade might not seem like a “big deal” in most countries, but in ultra modern, hi-tech Singapore it is the only chance locals get to see and touch these animals. These are also extremely important for the large number of Indian migrant labourers working in the city-state.
“This year we will be displaying a mini cattle farm consisting of 1 bull, 2 cows, 2 calves, and 2 goats, and these four-legged friends who are from Viknesh Dairy Farm will be there for public view from the 10th of Jan till the 17th of Jan,” LISHA said.
The cattle exhibition is free and will be open from 9 am to 8 pm daily. There will also be a bullock cart for photo opportunities. “We do not encourage visitors to touch the animals and visitors who wish to feed the cattle must seek the permission of the caretakers to do so,” it said.
Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Ruthirapathy, Honorary Secretary, LISHA, said, “LISHA has been able to achieve a lot over the years, working in collaboration with SINDA (Singapore Indian Development Association), LISHA Women’s wing and support from Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Hindu Endowment Board (HEB).”
Activities like Pongal pot painting, interaction with Mascot Tekka Raja, big bus tour and others will keep visitors hooked, the organisers expressed hope.
Here’s a curated list of festivities to look forward to:
CATTLE FARM (PUBLIC VIEWING)
Date: 10th January 2025 to 17th January 2025
Time: 9 AM to 8 PM (Daily)
Venue: Poli@Clive Street (Open Field)
OPENING CEREMONY
Date: 10th January 2025
Time: 7 PM to 9 PM
Venue: Poli@Clive Street (Open Field)
PONGAL POT PAINTING WORKSHOP (TOURISTS)
Date: 11th January 2025 and 18th January 2025
Time: 11 AM to 1 PM (11th Jan)
03 PM to 5 PM (18th Jan)
Venue: Tekka Place
LITTLE INDIA MASCOT ON 11TH AND 18TH JAN ALONG SERANGOON ROADS
PONGAL SPECIAL CULTURAL SHOW
Date: 12th & 14th January 2025
Time: 7 PM to 10 PM
Venue: Poli@Clive Street (Open Field)
PONGAL EXPERIENCE (SCHOOLS)
Date: 13th January 2025 to 17th January 2025
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (Daily)
3:30 PM to 5:00 PM (Daily, except 14th and 16th)
Venue: Poli@Clive Street (Open Field)
BIG BUS TOUR 17TH JAN 2025 TO 8TH FEB 2025 ORCHARD AND SERANGOON ROADS
Dates: 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 31st January & 1st, 7th, 8th February
Time: 7 pm & 8 pm
Venue: From Orchard Hotel to Serangoon Road
PONGAL SHARING
Date: 14th January 2025
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Venue: Poli@Clive Street
PONGAL DISTRIBUTION
Date: 14th , 15th , and 16th January 2025
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Venue: Poli@Clive Street
MAATTU PONGAL PRAYER
Date: 15th January 2025
Time: 3 PM to 5 PM
Venue: Poli@Clive Street (Open Field)
MASS PONGAL
Date: 18th January 2025
Time: 9 AM to 11 AM
Venue: Poli@Clive Street (Open Field)
CHILDREN COLOURING CONTESTS
Date: 19th January 2025
Time: 9 AM to 3.30 PM
Venue: Poli
PONGAL PATTI MANDRAM
Date: 19th January 2025
Time: 7 PM to 10 PM
Venue: Poli@Clive Street (Open Field)
