Celebrate Community and Culture at the Indian Heritage Centre’s Pongal Open House 2026

The Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) is ushering in the Lunar New Year with its annual Pongal Open House 2026, taking place over two weekends on 10, 11, 17, and 18 January. This year, the festival transforms the centre into a village-themed celebration, highlighting the importance of community, tradition, and togetherness during the harvest season.

Community Spirit Takes Centre Stage

A highlight of this year’s Pongal Open House is the focus on community-driven initiatives:

• Record-Breaking Kolam: Visitors can witness the creation of the largest kolam made with harvest crops, an effort led by Mdm Vijaya Mohan and volunteers from Singapore’s migrant and domestic worker communities. The event aims to secure a spot in the Kolam Book of Records.
• Community Art Installation: In collaboration with SunLove Active Ageing Centre, the IHC presents a striking display of 30 hand-painted Pongal pots, crafted with care by seniors from the centre, celebrating intergenerational creativity.

Experience Pongal Traditions First-Hand

The Open House offers an immersive experience of Pongal’s rich heritage through live demonstrations and workshops:

• Pottery & Culinary Demonstrations: Watch master potter Shri V.K. Munusamy from Villianur, India, craft miniature Pongal pots, or enjoy a live Pongal cooking demonstration that shares the stories behind this beloved harvest dish.
• Hands-On Workshops: Explore South Indian art through Pulli Kolam and Tanjore Art workshops, or discover rural customs in modern-day Little India via the Village Trail & Banana Leaf Pongal Meal.
• Children’s Activities: Little ones can join the Mongal Pongal – Interactive Storytelling session, participating in craft-making, music, and festive storytelling. Registration is required at IHC Programmes.

Festive Market and Free Activities

Visitors can browse unique items at the Pongal Festive Market, supporting local Indian home-based businesses. Throughout the Open House, a variety of free activities for all ages are available, including:

• Live cultural performances
• Drop-in crafts such as Pongal charm keychains and Pongal pot pins
• Pongal-themed colouring sheets
• Educational lobby activities and a Pongal Special: Kids Activity Booklet

Event Details

• Dates: 10, 11, 17 & 18 January 2026 (weekends only)
• Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Venue: Indian Heritage Centre
• Admission: Free