15/01/2023
வணக்கம்(Vanakam), Ayubowan, Aloha, Assalamualaikum, Bonjour, Como Estas, Ciao, Salamat po, Sawadee Krup สวัสดี, Shalom 早安您好 & Namaste: "l bow to the divine in you....🙏🙏🙏
THAI PONGAL பொங்கல் is celebrated mostly in South India over four days, by farmers who give thanks to 'Surya', the Sun God and giver of life, for the blessings of a rich harvest.
In Singapore, Pongal is celebrated on the commencement of the auspicious month of Thai with a nightly 'light-up' along Serangoon road (2 huge Peacocks cross road junction) from Tekka market to Mustafa Shopping Center.
Campbell Lane in Little India is transformed into a pedestrian-only mini village with a myriad of stalls offering unique festive souvenirs and daily Pongal-themed performances.
Catch cultural dances and a thrilling mass Ponggal cooking competition amid a stunning street light-up, with decorations featuring seasonal motifs like pots, sugar canes and cattle in Kinta Road.
Do take the opportunity to closely examine the 32 forms of Lord Vinayagar sculpted onto its four granite pillars, a relief unmatched by any *Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple* – here or in India.
On the first day, *14/1/2023, 'Bhogi Pongal',* celebrations begin with worship of Lord Indra, the Ruler of Clouds and Giver of Rains.
Thorough spring-cleaning as well as the discarding of old belongings is carried out to signify a fresh start.
Oil lamps are lit, new clothes are donned and colourful designs in rice flour are created on the floors of houses.
On the second day, *15/1/2023,, 'Surya Pongal',* the Sun God is honoured. Every household cooks a pot of rice with milk to offer up to Surya at dawn.
Pongal means to ‘overflow’, hence the pot of rice has to bubble over to symbolise prosperity and abundance.
This is then served to members of the family as well as any visitors to the house. It is a very social period, as relatives and friends visit each other and exchange greetings.
The third day, *16/1/2023, called 'Mattu Pongal',* is set aside to honour cattle – cows are sacred animals in the Hindu religion.
To remember the work they do, like ploughing the fields and providing milk, the cattle are scrubbed and their horns painted. Multi-coloured beads, tinkling bells and flower garlands are placed around their necks and they are fed special snacks as a treat.
The last day, *17/1/2023, called 'Kannum Pongal',* is all about the community and strengthening ties. Younger members seek the blessing of the older members of their families.
Landlords distribute clothes, food and money to their workers. Offerings are made at temples even as special prayers are conducted.
Infused with the earthy rhythms of agrarian life, Pongal offers visitors a peek into a rich culture and a way of life that has been celebrated in Southern India for centuries.
The term ‘pongu’, meaning ‘to boil over’ or ‘flourish’ in Tamil, is what gives the festival its name.
Good timings boiling Pongal; 7 to 8.25am, 11.30am to 12.55pm,
Evening 5.30 to 7pm &
7 to 8.30pm.
That’s why you’ll see the important tradition of filling a new clay pot with milk and fresh rice, then adding ginger, turmeric, brown sugar, cashew nuts, raisins and ghee as it cooks.
When it is brought to a boil and froths over, family members cry out "pongollo pongal", which means "may this rice boil over" in Tamil, signifying a wish for overflowing fortunes.
Infused with the earthy rhythms of agrarian life, Pongal offers visitors a peek into a rich culture and a way of life that has been celebrated in Southern India for centuries.
The Indian Heritage Centre is the first museum in Southeast Asia to focus on the diverse heritage of the Indian community.
The four-storey architectural gem stands in the heart of the historic Little India precinct.
It comprises permanent galleries featuring five themes, a special exhibition gallery, as well as educational and activity spaces that provide an immersive learning experience for all visitors.
HAPPY PONGAL VALTHUGAL to all !! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
C'est la Vie, Notime2bsad, Amithaba, 般若波罗蜜, 我佛慈悲,善哉,善哉 May the Forces be with you !!..........
Voices from the Old Jedi's Heart/ 小人物的心声, ARK YOLO !!!! "
இனிய பொங்கல் நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் 🙏☀️
