SINGAPORE — Singapore’s rich multicultural landscape means that various holidays and festivals are often celebrated throughout the year. On Sunday (Ja
SINGAPORE — Singapore’s rich multicultural landscape means that various holidays and festivals are often celebrated throughout the year. On Sunday (Jan 15), the Tamil community marked Pongal, a Hindu harvest festival celebrated by Tamils in India and Sri Lanka.
Workers’ Party chief and Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh found himself joining in the Pongal festivities when he passed by Serangoon Road with his wife and daughters on Sunday evening. On their way to grab a meal, they were invited to participate in the event by Ms Denise Phua of the People’s Action Party (PAP). Ms Phua has served as the Member of Parliament for the Kampong Glam division of Jalan Besar GRC since 2015.
“As my wife and daughters headed to our usual thosai restaurant for an early dinner, I passed by the Pongal tentage at Clive Street, where Ms Denise Phua was hosting a Pongal event with her grassroots leaders and volunteers. They were providing a meal for residents from some senior homes,” Mr Singh shared in a Facebook post.
Ms Phua welcomed Mr Singh, handed him the microphone, and invited him to extend his Pongal well-wishes to the attendees. She also encouraged Mr Singh and his family to visit the cow and goat stalls, a traditional feature during Pongal, hosted by Vignesh Dairy Farms on Serangoon Road. “Cattle are particularly venerated on the third day of Pongal, known as ‘Mattu Pongal’,” Mr Singh noted.
Sharing photos of the event, Mr Singh expressed his fondness for Serangoon Road, describing it as “authentic, familiar, and much more,” and a special place for him and his family.
He reminded everyone that Pongal celebrations on Serangoon Road would continue until Tuesday, Jan 17, and encouraged all to visit and soak in the festive atmosphere.
“To all Singaporeans and Indians celebrating this four-day festival, Pongollo Pongal!” he concluded.
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