Little India, Singapore
Most cities contain a concentration of the the Chinese community and culture, and Singapore is no exception, having it’s own Chinatown. But how many cities also have a centre of Indian culture and heritage?
Meet “Little India” - Singapore’s epicentre of Indian heritage. Singapore has an almost never ending array of high profile tourist destinations, the Marina Bay area and Sentosa island as examples. And one should definitely visit those attractions. However, getting to really “know” a city by immersing into the deeper, less tourist based areas can really enhance the cultural experience of visiting a city. Little India, is one such example, and is easily accessed by train and the Little India MRT stop. I decided to catch a taxi from my hotel in the Clarke Quay area. It is an easy area to explore by foot.
Brightly painted wall and window shutters, Little India, Singapore. Fujifilm X100V, Wide conversion lens, ISO 160, 1/80s, f/8
Little India is a feast for the senses. There are a good number of brightly coloured murals, walls and windows throughout the streets and lanes, and smells of delicious food waft through the air.
The importance of spirituality to the people is on display with the beautiful Hindu temple Sri Veerakaliamman located here. It’s worth a look watching the worshipers going in and out of the temple, as well as admire the intricate details of the temple itself. One can venture inside if appropriately attired according to the requirements of the temple. I chose to not photograph the worshipers going about their prayers out of respect.
There were a number of flower vendors selling brightly coloured flowers, either individually, or as arrangements, to be used as prayer offerings. Click on an image below to open gallery view.
The Jothi store and flower shop is one such vendor, with an impressive array of flowers, prayer items, homewares and artifacts.
Jothi store & flower shop, Little India, Singapore. Fujifilm X100V, Wide conversion lens, ISO 250, 1/60s, f/8
Little India, if you are photographically inclined, is a literal treasure chest of shots waiting to be taken. Brightly coloured buildings, candid opportunities, wall murals, detail shots of texture are all there for the taking, and more.
Chained shut, Little India, Singapore. Fujifilm X100V, Wide conversion lens, ISO 250, 1/60s, f/4.
Murals and shutters. Click on an image below to open gallery view.
Indian Heritage Centre windows with reflections of the buildings opposite, Little India, Singapore.