Little India in Singapore

            There are many legends about Singapore. They are slightly different from each other. It is widely believed that a prince of Sumatra went hunting on a nearby island. There he saw a lion. However, it is said that the island was named Sinhapura (Lion City) as it was considered a good omen as lions could not be seen in the area. This legend is told in various ways. Sinhapura is a Sanskrit word. According to such sources it is conceivable that Sanskrit was used as a prestigious international language at that time. Little India is considered to be the most populous part of Singapore, an attractive country due to various factors such as economic development, living standards and urban beautification. Although modern constructions can be seen in other parts of Singapore, not only old buildings but also many places of cultural and religious significance can still be seen in Little India. Especially Indians, Sri Lankans and Bangladeshis often visit small India.

          There are several reasons for this. In general, many essentials such as clothing, jewelry, electronics, etc. can be bought cheaply in Little India. As you walk along the sidewalks of Little India, you can see a variety of colorful costumes, ornaments, watches, perfumes and more. It's a colorful sight indeed. Occasionally Sinhala speaking youths can be seen working in some shops. Tourists often flock to ‘Little India’ as they can choose from a variety of products for less than what can be found in a mall. Little India is a paradise for shoppers, as Singapore is a safe country and shops and restaurants are open late into the night. In some restaurants where popular Hindi and Tamil songs are played, you can see theatrical performances performed according to those songs. They are very popular among Indian music lovers. Bands in some restaurants sing popular Hindi songs live.

            Some sewing machines with sewing machines on the sidewalk. In addition, restaurants serving Asian cuisine, especially Indian cyber restaurants, abound. MRT for Little India The construction of a parking lot shows just how crowded it is. Shopping is easy when you stay close to Little India. There are shops nearby so you can go for a walk and buy different things. Singapore was closed for a few days last March due to the corona epidemic. Some tourists come for leisure to rent apartments. They spend a week and a half cooking and eating in those houses. Many people come to the Teka Market in Little India to buy vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, coconut, salt, cumin and chillies. Known as the Wet Market, it reminds us of Sri Lankan shops. Shopping is a great place to stay in Little India. One of them is the famous Mustafa shopping mall. Apart from that it is easy to go to many places like Buggy Market, Teka Market etc. Fish Head Curry is a popular dish in many restaurants in Little India. Fish head curry is in great demand. You can also meet Sri Lankan youth at some restaurants. Most of them are educated in Singapore. They work in those restaurants as part-time jobs for their expenses in the evenings.

             This area of ​​Singapore was named Little India around 1963. Formerly known as Serengeti. The name is still in use today. During World War II, Singapore was invaded by Japan, which also affected little India. During British rule, the area was demarcated on the advice of Stamford Raffles. The Indians have long been involved in cattle rearing as well as other related industries in the area, such as the lime and brick industry. In small India, there are several famous places of worship for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. The Sakyamuni Buddhagaya Temple, where Buddhists can worship, is located on Racecourse Road in Little India. It is said to have been started in 1929 by Ven. Wuthisara Thero of Thailand. This is a place where Theravada Buddhism is spread. The attraction of this temple is further enhanced by the 15 meter high and 300 ton Buddha statue. There are many light bulbs constantly burning around this statue. Therefore, this temple is also known as the Temple of the Thousand Lights. There are also other statues such as sleeping statues. Racecourse Road, Ferrer Park, m. R. T. (Railway Station) This temple is located between the stations. Admission is free, but the temple is expected to be well-dressed. Open from 8.00 am to 4.30 pm.

            There are also two famous Hindu temples located in Little India. One of them is the Veera Maha Kali Amman Kovil. It is considered as the attraction of Little India as well as the most crowded place. Located on Serangoon Road, this temple dates back to the 19th century. Devotees can be seen regularly performing rituals at this temple which has small colorful statues. The other Hindu temple is the Sri Sirinivasa Perumal Kovil. This is also a very colorful temple and was built for Krishna. Krishna is considered to be an incarnation of Vishnu. The Abdul Ghafoor Mosque, built in 1859, is also a special place for Muslims. Its architecture is inspired by South Indian, Mursi and Victorian. Tan Ten Niya Palace in Little India is also a popular tourist attraction. It has two floors. Built during the British rule in Singapore. Its history goes back to 1900. Reminiscent of Chinese architecture, the mansion is located on Karbia Road. Leon San Sei is also located in Little India and was built for the Chinese goddess of Mercy. Many people come to this sacred place in search of success in education. Inside the shrine, various colored carvings and statues can be seen inside the temple. This is reminiscent of a Chinese royal palace. Not only religious and national reconciliation but also cultural ties and symbols can be seen clearly in various restaurants located in Chinatown on both sides of the road. You can see people of different nationalities eating and drinking all day long in those restaurants.


Post a Comment

1 Comments