For
four days, Hindu temples around Singapore ring with rhythmic
sounds of bells, drums, clarinets and conch shells as Southern
Hindus celebrate Pongal - the Harvest Festival. An early
morning ritual in the homes begins with rice cooked in new
pots which are allowed to boil over as a sign of prosperity.
In the temple, rice is also prepared while prayers are chanted
to the accompaniment of the musical instruments. Vegetables,
sugar cane and spices are offered to the gods and later
consumed by devotees to cleanse themselves of their past sins.
Visitors are welcome to witness this festival which begins at
6.30am at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road,
Little India. Temple
etiquette requires visitors to be dressed appropriately and
shoes to be removed at the door.
For
four days, Hindu temples around Singapore ring with rhythmic
sounds of bells, drums, clarinets and conch shells as Southern
Hindus celebrate Pongal - the Harvest Festival. An early
morning ritual in the homes begins with rice cooked in new
pots which are allowed to boil over as a sign of prosperity.
In the temple, rice is also prepared while prayers are chanted
to the accompaniment of the musical instruments. 
