Pongal Celebrations 2009

by Robyn
(U.K.)

Hi Gabriel,

congratulations on a great website, it really captures the flavour of the place.

I was hoping to see the Pongal celebrations in Little India on 14th Jan and I've read that Perumal Temple is a good place to start, but what time should I get there to see the ceremonies? Also, does anyone know what time the cattle parade from Cuff Road to Campbell Lane begins?

I have found a number of websites publicising the what and where of Pongal but no-one is telling us when!

Thanks!

Comments for
Pongal Celebrations 2009

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Dec 31, 2008

Will check out Pongal information!
by: Gabriel Tan

Hi Robyn

thanks for your kind words.

I'll find out about the schedule for Thai Pongal, and post it here once I get hold of it.

Jan 05, 2009

Pongal Festival in Singapore 2009 - the Rough Schedule
by: Gabriel Tan

Hi Robyn

this is what I gathered from the Hindu Endowment Board of Singapore:

1. All day in the temples: Pongal festivities, viz. prayers, rituals, spiritual music, offering of food, etc.

2. All day at the Campbell Lane shops: Sale of wares related to the Pongal Festival - food, prayer items, etc.

3. Evening: Procession and cultural show.

So if you

a. visit the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in the afternoon about 4+ pm, and

b. then browse the Campbell Lane shops around 6pm,

c. it should set you up nicely for the procession soon after. (The procession in previous years started about 6.30pm.)

Jan 05, 2009

Detailed Schedule for Pongal 2009
by: Gabriel Tan

Hi Robyn

here's the detailed schedule for Pongal Festival 2009 (supplied by Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association):

Location: Campbell Lane

Sat, 10 Jan 09, 7.15pm
Opening Ceremony
GOH- Dr Balaji Sadasivan
Senior Minister of State
Cultural Performance

Sun, 11 Jan 09, 7.30-9.30pm
M1 Cultural Show

Mon, 12 Jan 09, 7.30-9.30pm
Cultural Show by Angle Arts

Tues, 13 Jan 09, 7.30-9.30pm
Cultural Show by Manimaran Creations

Wed, 14 Jan 09
Pongal Celebrations

6pm
Pongal Distribution by Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

7.30-9.30pm
Cultural Show by Tamil Representative Council

Thurs, 15 Jan 09 Maatu Pongal

2.30pm
Prayers - Honouring the Cattle
by Viknesh Dairy Farm

4.30pm
Pongal Distribution by Sri SivaDurga Temple

5.30pm
Cultural Show by Viknesh Dairy Farm

Fri, 16 Jan 09, 7.30-9.30pm
Cultural Show by Bharathaa Arts

Sat, 17 Jan 09
Mass Pongal by PA Narpani Pearavai
& Association of Chetti Melaka Singapore

3pm
(50 Pongal pots cooking simultaneously)
GOH - Ms Denise Phua
MP for Jalan Besar GRC

5-9.30pm
Cultural Show by PA Narpani Pearavai

Sun. 18 Jan 09
Colouring contest

9.00am
Registration for contest
for K1/K2, P1,P2,P3)

10am-12noon
Colouring Contest

12.30pm
Prize Presentation

GOH - Mr Hri Kumar
MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

7.30-9.30pm
Cultural Show by Singai Tamil Sangam

Jan 06, 2009

Thanks!
by: Robyn (U.K.)

Hi Gabriel,

thanks so much for your answers, I had been under the impression that it was an early morning thing in the temples--but always glad to avoid an early start if I can!

(I doubt that I can get from Perumal to Campbell Lane in a mere 2 hours though, given the variety of Interesting Diversions en route! Some would say that I don't have to photograph everything...but I say, it's my duty to try!)

Since you are Singapore's top clever clogs, here's another one for you...

Bird Singing...good places?

A little bird told me that Tiong Bahru is the place, but not sure exactly where or when. Have also heard vague mumblings about Petain Rd and Chinatown.

Do you know anywhere it goes on daily - can't always book a Sunday into my stopover! (But do have one in March) No escaping the dreaded early start here I fear! Many thanks from me and Henry (canary)

Jan 07, 2009

Little India Diversions and Daily Bird Singing
by: Gabriel Tan

"I doubt that I can get from Perumal to Campbell Lane in a mere 2 hours though."

Ha, you are absolutely correct! I guess I lapsed into the point A to point B mentality here. Even as a local, I have a certain fascination with Little India. You would do well to set aside more time here.

Bird Singing

Administrator's Note:
For clarity, I've moved all the posts about birds onto this thread on Bird Singing Corners in Singapore.

Jan 14, 2009

Pongal Procession
by: Partha

Can someone please tell me whether the pongal procession is on 14th or 15th? And where does it start from?

Thanks

Partha

Aug 08, 2009

What do people do during the Pongal Festival
by: Anom

What do people do during the Pongal Festival?

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