Ring in the new year with the Indian Heritage Centre’s (IHC) annual Pongal Open House 2026, taking place across two weekends on 10, 11, 17 and 18 January! This year’s Open House invites visitors to the warmth of a village-themed celebration that spotlights the significance of community during the harvest celebrations.
In celebration of Pongal, visitors can look forward to two special initiatives that highlight the strong community spirit. The first features the creation of the largest kolam made with harvest crops for the Kolam Book of Records, led by Mdm Vijaya Mohan together with volunteers from migrant and domestic worker communities in Singapore. The second is a community art installation, presented by IHC in collaboration with SunLove Active Ageing Centre, that features 30 hand-painted pongal pots lovingly created by seniors from the centre.
Beyond these community highlights, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of Pongal through live demonstrations that celebrate craft and cuisine. Watch master potter Shri V.K. Munusamy from Villianur, India, as he crafts miniature Pongal pots during a live pottery demonstration, and enjoy a live Pongal cooking demonstration that reveals the stories behind the beloved harvest dish. Visitors can also browse a curated selection of unique finds at the Pongal Festive Market and show their support for local Indian home-based businesses.
For those eager to explore and create, uncover the techniques behind classical South Indian art forms in the hands-on Pulli Kolam Workshop and Tanjore Art Workshop, and discover how rural customs come alive in modern-day Little India with the Village Trail & Banana Leaf Pongal Meal.
Little ones can join in a playful Mongal Pongal – Interactive Children Storytelling session and dive into the festive spirit of Pongal through interactive storytelling, craft-making and music. Registration for these programmes is required here.
Throughout the Open House, visitors can enjoy a range of free activities for all ages. Get in the groove with live cultural performances, try your hand at drop-in craft activities such as pongal charm keychains, pongal pot pins and more, or unleash your creativity with Pongal-themed colouring sheets. Families can also discover bite-sized fun facts on the festival through lobby activities, as well as an exclusive Pongal Special: Kids Activity Booklet for young children.
📅 10 to 11 & 17 to 18 Jan 2026
🕙 10am – 5pm
📍 Indian Heritage Centre
🏷 Free Admission
CATTLE DRINKING AND EATING TIME
🕙 6am – 7am | 12pm – 1pm | 6pm – 7pm
To learn more about the traditions of Pongal, visit here.
🧧🏮 CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026 🏮🧧
Feeling adventurous and hoping to soak in the Chinese New Year atmosphere? We have compiled a list of Where to go during Chinese New Year 2026, especially for our readers.
Looking for CNY goodies for your home? Here’s where to buy pineapple tarts and bak kwa in Singapore.
Planning a feast for the festivities? Check out these Chinese New Year Buffet Catering Services for a hassle-free celebration.
Want to shower your family and friends with blessings and bountiful gifts this CNY? Here is a list of unique CNY gifts and hampers to consider gifting!
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