To mark the festival, there will be a grand streetlight for 1 month, starting from 10 January, 2025 to 10 February 2025 (31 Days) along the streets of Serangoon Road (From Bukit Timah Junction to off Perumal Temple). The lights will be on from 7 PM to 12 AM (daily).
Singapore’s Senior Minister of State Dr Janil Puthuchery, along with Minister of State Alvin Tan and Indian High Commissioner will inaugurate the event, according to the organisers.
Reminiscing about a parade and the only cattle parade Singapore has ever witnessed, Rajkumar Chandra, Senior Advisor, LISHA, said, “In 1995 we paraded 50 cattle around Campbell lane. It led to unprecedented crowds and traffic jams. Singapore had never seen anything like that.”
Top LISHA leaders at the Pongal announcement event. Photo courtesy: LISHA |
A similar parade was held on January 9. The cattle arrived at Clive Street around 5 PM and did a short parade along Campbell Lane before reaching its temporary home the Poli@Clive Street. The display was accompanied by traditional folk dances, stilt walkers, and Indian percussion instruments.
LISHA said cattle display is a tradition every year and the organisation has always worked with Vicknesh Dairy Farm to display the animals for public view. “We want the public to witness and celebrate the animals’ arrival,” a statement from LISHA read.
While a cattle parade might not seem like a ‘big deal’ in most countries, but in ultra modern, hi-tech Singapore it is the only chance locals get to see and touch these animals. These are also extremely important for the large number of Indian migrant labourers working in the city-state.
“This year we will be displaying a mini cattle farm consisting of 1 bull, 2 cows, 2 calves, and 2 goats, and these four-legged friends who are from Viknesh Dairy Farm will be there for public view from the 10th of Jan till the 17th of Jan,” LISHA said.
The cattle exhibition is free and will be open from 9 am to 8 pm daily. There will also be a bullock cart for photo opportunities. “We do not encourage visitors to touch the animals and visitors who wish to feed the cattle must seek the permission of the caretakers to do so,” it said.
Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, Ruthirapathy, Honorary Secretary, LISHA, said, “LISHA has been able to achieve a lot over the years, working in collaboration with SINDA (Singapore Indian Development Association), LISHA Women’s wing and support from Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Hindu Endowment Board (HEB).”
Activities like Pongal pot painting, interaction with Mascot Tekka Raja, big bus tour and others will keep visitors hooked, the organisers expressed hope.
