Little India
written by thekillergerbil
on May 9th, 2008
(1 vote)
Little India is one of the most ethnic districts in Singapore. All these years, it has managed to retain its charm and color, hardly touched by urbanization. Interestingly Serangoon Road, which is the main artery running through the district, is one of the oldest roads in Singapore. This road was marked on ancient maps as “The Road Through the Island”.
As you step into Little India, be prepared for an assault on the senses! You will be greeted by the strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by the treasure trove of silverware, brass ware, wood carvings and colorful silk saris, dazzling to behold.
The first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles as assistants and soldiers back in 1819. In the late 19th century, many more Indian immigrants arrived to find work, be it as laborers to build roads or to take up key positions in the civil service.
Today, Little India is the focal point of Singapore’s Indian community. Its spice-scented streets beckon you to a cornucopia of ethnic jewelery, jasmine garlands and silk saris. From the large Tekka Center and Little India Arcade to the small provision shops, Little India is packed with interesting things to discover. During Deepavali (usually between Oct/Nov), the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated, brightly lit streets bustling with shoppers. Witness also the faith of devotees during the colorful and ritualistic Thaipusam in Jan/Feb each year. Note that on Sundays, Little India can become rather crowded when many Indian foreign workers go there to shop, eat or simply catch up with friends.
Colorful temples co-exist side by side with churches and mosques, parrot fortune tellers stationed by the five-foot way and tantalizing scents of spices drifting out from restaurants. Don’t leave Little India without a temporary Henna tattoo or try “Teh Tarik”, a hand pulled cup of tea.
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