Indian High Commission hosts Pongal festivities for migrant workers in Singapore

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

High Commissioner Dr. Shilpak Ambule and Tung Yui Fai, Chairman of the Assurance, Maintenance and Participation Group of the Ministry of Manpower, joined the celebrations on Sunday (January 11) and extended their greetings and good wishes to the workers at the festival held in northern Singapore’s industrial area Sembawang.

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

“More than 50 talented local artists performing alongside migrant workers delivered exciting performances and colorful cultural displays 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 turn the event into a memorable experience for Indian workers and domestic workers in the heavy construction and maritime industries,” Mr. Ganesh said.

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

The celebration, held for the second time by the High Commission, is also a part of the Pongal events hosted by the Singapore Indian Heritage Center on Saturday, January 10. Heritage Center activities included Tanjore art painting, a classical South Indian art form, for participants to learn basic techniques to design and create their own Tanjore painting masterpieces.

Dr. Ambule briefed migrant workers on consular outreach activities, especially passport renewal camps, and asked them for broad participation in the High Commission. He thanked the Ministry of Manpower for their support to the workers’ community and their cooperation with the High Commission for workers’ welfare.