Indian High Commission hosts Pongal festivities for migrant workers in Singapore

The Indian High Commission in Singapore led nearly 1,500 Indian migrant workers in a day-long celebration of Pongal, a major harvest festival, that also marks the beginning of the Tamil month.

High Commissioner Dr. Shilpak Ambule and Tung Yui Fai, Chief of the Assurance, Care and Engagement Group in the Ministry of Manpower, joined the celebrations on Sunday (January 11), extending greetings and well wishes to the workers at the festival held in northern Singapore’s industrial district of Sembawang.

“The evening brought together migrant workers, community partners, and volunteers in a vibrant celebration of culture,” said S. Ganesh, lead organiser of Mett.AI which organises events for migrant workers through social networks.

“Over 50 talented local artists, performing alongside migrant workers, delivered electrifying performances and colourful cultural showcases that captured the essence and vibrancy of India’s harvest festivals,” he said.

“More than 110 dedicated volunteers, mostly Indian professionals working in Singapore, helped transform the event into a memorable experience for the workers from India employed by heavy duty construction and marine industries as well as domestic helpers,” said Mr. Ganesh.

The Sunday (January 11, 2026) evening program featured live music, traditional performances, yoga and meditation sessions, and a fashion showcase highlighting India’s rich textile heritage and festive traditions.

The celebration, a second edition by the High Commission, is also part of the Pongal events hosted by the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre on Saturday (January 10). The Heritage Centre activities included Tanjore art paintings, a classic South Indian art form, for participants to learn key techniques for designing and creating their own Tanjore painting masterpiece.

Dr. Ambule informed the migrant workers about consular outreach activities, especially passport renewal camps, and asked them to participate widely at the High Commission. He thanked the Manpower Ministry for their support of the workers’ community and their collaboration with the High Commission for the workers’ welfare.