Little India – Rich in Indian Culture
I’m taking a History module on Southeast Asia and one of the projects require me to travel around Singapore and to visit some interesting sites that are rich in culture and heritage. Though Little India is not on the list, I went there nonetheless with one of my friend.
Little India is an area in Singapore that is rich in the Indian culture as it is “the focal point of Singapore’s Indian community”. When I was exploring the place, the streets are heavily scented with spices and I noticed that there are many road side shops selling jasmine garlands.
It’s like entering a world that’s totally different from what I usually see. The racial make up is especially astonishing here for Indians are everywhere. That evening, I became the minority and I wandered around curiously, observing the Indian culture and lifestyle.
There are many shop houses lined up one after the other but they are mainly jewellery shops, grocery shops, wholesale shops that sell items cheaply or food stores. What struck me as interesting is that there is no Western fast food around! Where’s TEH MC DONALDS? Where’s TEH KFC? Instead, I found an Indian-styled fast food store that sells fried Indian fast food, Western style.
The architectures are very unique too. I’m used to seeing high rise apartments but almost all the buildings here are only 2 or 3 storey high. Building space is also carefully utilized as advertisers hang banners and posters not only on the upper level of their shop houses, but also on the side walls so as to advertise their products or services.
It’s interesting to experience the lifestyle and culture of the Indian community by wandering around that evening but I feel that the buildings are rather old and certain areas are not really hygienic since people littered the grounds with rubbish.
We also visited the outskirts of the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. What I noticed is that many Hindus often put their hands together and face the temple respectively though they’re only passing the temple. As long as the Hindus can see the temple, they would put their hands together at least once before resuming what they are doing. Both my friend and I did not enter the temple because we’re not dressed appropriately.
Hindus enter the temple bare footed and some even rang the bells (that are hanging on the door) before exiting. Does anyone know the significance of ringing the bells when exiting the temple?
<blockquote>I feel that the buildings are rather old and certain areas are not really hygienic since people littered the grounds with rubbish</blockquote>Little India sounds just like the real thing (though the pictures don’t look so dirty).I wish I could explain the bells…they’re just there I guess. Everybody loves bells.
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One of the Shops in the 4th picture offers facials
From what i can tell from the pictures it reminds me alot of small mediteranean tourist villages.Is there a big indian community in Singapore?
btw, this year’s deepavali is changed right? brought forward a day i heard?
That sound awesome and I bet you can get some great food there too. The trash concerns me a little but as long as it’s not in any food areas, I’m okay. Not sure about the bell ringing either. :(
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I don’t really eat fast food, and there being none in Little India is kind of a given. LOL.But the food @ tekka’s great. Aside from that, I’m never there. XD
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I miss Singapore.
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@Baka-Raptor
I took those more pleasant to the eyes scenery instead. There are litter here and there and half torn posters on walls and I think that they are unsightly and unhygienic. But I guess they all add to the uniqueness of the place.
@Blowfish
Nope, the Indians are the minority in Singapore. The majority is Chinese, followed by the Malays, then the Indians and lastly, the Eurasians.
@gordon
I’m unsure about that but I thought that festivals are suppose to be on the same day every year?
@Caitlin
Oh there are some tables lined directly opposite some filthy looking walls that will make one lose their appetite anytime.
As for food, there are many sweet stuff. They’re so sweet that I think that I might get diabetes if I consume too much. I saw some pudding-like items that have condense milk as their top layering; imagine the sweetness.
@C.I.
It was wishful thinking on my part; I thought that I might be able to find at least KFC there.
@The Sojourner
Come back soon buddy!
@Gordon & Hynavian: Yep. Deepavali is brought forward a day this year. Long weekend FTW. Some holidays change due to revision of solar/lunar calendar. @Hynavian: The best food stalls usually reside in dirty hawker centres. Do check out stalls near Mustafa Center, or if you prefer somewhere cleaner, try Komala fast food. (Vegeterian meals only)