103462 Another interesting highlight is renowned Indian theatre director Roysten Abel’s Manganiyar Seduction, where nearly 40 folk singers from Rajasthan sit in neatly arranged squares placed vertically and horizontally on top of each other.
103463 Think of it like a highly intoxicating meld of the allure and seduction of an Amsterdam bordello, with the physical arrangement of the TV game show Hollywood Squares, and the haunting lusciousness of ancient Sufi-influenced Indian music.
103464 These are just three productions out of over 50 different events during this 30-day festival – a tiny slice of what will whet your appetites for this wonderful celebration of the arts.
103465 Get your tickets today, and discover a Singapore that showcases a rich performing Arts culture.
103466 Visit www.singaporeartsfest.com for more details.
103469 The Pongal Festival, or Sankaranthi, was originally held in celebration of a good harvest in South India, where farming is the main form of livelihood.
103470 Here in Singapore, the Pongal Festival welcomes the beginning of the 10th Tamil month, called Thai, which falls in mid-January each year.
103471 It is celebrated in the form of a thanksgiving and usually lasts four days.
103472 Pongal literally means to boil over and hence the pot of rice is allowed to boil over as a sign of prosperity.
103473 The first day of Pongal, called Bhogi Pongal, is spent spring cleaning and discarding old belongings to welcome a new beginning.
103474 On the second day, Pongal is celebrated.
103475 Hindu homes start the day with the preparation of pongal (sweet sticky rice where milk, rice and sugar are boiled together) cooked in a new pot that is presented as an offering to the Gods in return for their blessings.
103476 On this same day, house visits are made and greetings are exchanged.