Step back into a vibrant, village-themed harvest celebration featuring record-breaking art, hands-on workshops, and delicious traditional treats for the whole family.
Venue: Indian Heritage Centre
Dates: 10, 11, 17 and 18 Jan 2026
Admission: Free with tickets workshops
The Indian Heritage Centre (IHC) is inviting families to welcome the new year with its annual Pongal Open House. Held over two weekends on 10, 11, 17, and 18 January 2026, this year’s festivities transport visitors to a rustic village setting. The event highlights the spirit of togetherness and gratitude that defines the harvest season, making it a perfect educational and cultural outing for children and parents alike.
Must-See Community Art and Record-Breaking Feats
A major highlight for 2026 is the attempt to enter the Kolam Book of Records. On 18 January, visitors can witness the creation of Singapore’s largest kolam made entirely from harvest crops. Led by renowned artist Mdm Vijaya Mohan and a dedicated team of volunteers, this massive floor art piece is a testament to the power of community collaboration.
Families should also take a stroll past the L1 Lobby to view a heartwarming Community Art Installation. This display features 30 uniquely hand-painted Pongal pots, created through a special partnership with the seniors from SunLove Active Ageing Centre.
Immersive Activities for Little Explorers
The Open House is packed with free demonstrations and drop-in activities that require no prior booking. Parents can take their children to watch Shri V.K. Munusamy, a master potter from India, as he demonstrates the delicate art of crafting miniature clay pots.
Other free highlights include:
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Live Cultural Performances: Folk dances and storytelling skits at the facade.
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Drop-in Crafts: DIY cattle toys and Pongal-themed keychains at the L2 Special Exhibition Gallery.
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Pongal Festive Market: A chance to browse and support local Indian home-based businesses.
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Complimentary Snacks: Grab a taste of traditional festive treats and beverages, served at 11am and 3pm daily.
Deepen the Experience with Specialized Workshops
For families looking for a more structured experience, several ticketed programmes are available. These are popular and require pre-registration via the IHC Peatix page.
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Mongal Pongal Storytelling: An interactive session for children aged 4 to 12, blending music, craft, and bilingual storytelling (Tamil and English).
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Village Trail & Banana Leaf Meal: A guided journey through Little India to see how rural customs thrive today, concluding with a traditional feast.
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Art Workshops: Choose from beginner-friendly Pulli Kolam (symmetrical dot art) or the intricate Tanjore Art workshop.
Planning Your Visit
The IHC Pongal Open House is a free-entry event, though specific workshops carry a nominal fee.
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Dates: 10, 11, 17 & 18 January 2026
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Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
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Venue: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
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Registration: Book your slots for paid workshops at https://ihc-programmes.peatix.com
Whether you are looking to introduce your children to Singapore's rich Indian heritage or simply want to enjoy a festive atmosphere with great food and art, the IHC Pongal Open House 2026 is the place to be this January.
