Top 10 Amazing Facts about Experience Little India

Little India in Singapore – By Nachoman-au – Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Experience Little India

Little India is an ethnic district in Singapore. The best of Singapore’s Indian community is showcased in the colorful culture and fantastic shopping of Little India. The Little India district is a depiction of Singapore’s rich and diverse history.

It is situated north of Kampong Glam and across from Chinatown, which is west of the Singapore River. Both locations are a component of Rochor’s urban planning area.

In the Indian community of Singapore, Little India is frequently referred to as Tekka. Little India has successfully managed to retain its identity over the years. This is despite the induction of various cultures due to tourist activity.

It is one of the most beautiful and visually attractive places to visit in Singapore. Below is a list of ten amazing facts about Little India.

1. Little India Was the Second Indian Settlement in Singapore

The Chulia Kampong area is where the ethnic Indian immigrants originally resided. This is according to the Raffles Plan of Singapore.

However, Chulia Kampong became crowded as more and more immigrants came into the country. This increased the demand for land and ultimately some moved into what is now called Little India.

 Little India’s location was favorable since it allowed settlers to raise cattle and trade in livestock. The region grew with time both socially and economically. By the start of the 20th century, it had developed into a proper Indian neighborhood.

2. Diverse Community

Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India – By Thaejas – Wikipedia

Contrary to stereotypes because of its name and the People’s Action Party (PAP) policy, Little India is not solely an Indian Community. The People’s Action Party (PAP) arranged for ethnic Indians to stay at segregated locations using the racial harmony policy.

In Little India, there are shops catering to Chinese culture as well as places of worship for several religions. This includes churches, shrines, mosques, etc.

One of the most notable instances of cross-cultural patronage is the fact that many Chinese parents visit stores in Little India to grind rice for congee for their young children and the elderly.

A multi-cultural store providing goods for the various ethnic groups in Singapore is the Tekka Centre.

3. The Serangoon Road Is the Main Commercial Region

Little India Street Scene – Around Serangoon Road – Singapore – By Adam Jones – Wikimedia Commons

The Serangoon Road in Little India is the main commercial thoroughfare and is the busiest in the district. This road intersects the Bukit Timah Sungei Road and the Rochor Canal Road.

There are several large attractions and markets along Serangoon Road. This includes; the Mustafa Centre, the Serangoon Plaza, the Little India Arcade, the Tekka Mall, and the Tekka Centre.

4. The Tekka Centre Market in Little India Has Existed Since Early 20th Century

Tekka Centre – By Terence Ong – Wikimedia Commons

The original market was built in 1915 and was known as “Kandang Kerbau” (or just “K. K.”). This translates directly from Malay to “buffalo pens” because of the slaughterhouses in the area during this period.

The complex was renamed Tekka Centre in 2000. In 2008 it was closed for renovations then reopened in 2009 on completion.

On the ground floor, there is a hawker Centre. Here there are stalls for vendors to sell vegetarian meals and Malay food. On the same level, there’s a wet market with stalls selling fresh seafood and vegetables.

5. Little India Is More Than Just a Food Market

 The streets of Little India are packed with stalls selling all sorts of goods. While Little India is famous for its cuisines from various Asian cultures, this is only part of the market’s products. The are several shopping centers and vendors that supply other goods other than food.

For example, the Mustafa Centre is located at 145 Syed Alwi Road. It is known as Singapore’s supreme discount store. It has a plethora of products at cheap prices ranging from Rolex watches to washing machines and even airline tickets.

 We also have the Sim Lim Square in Little India. Sim Lim is a giant electronics Mecca squeezed into a since building. This building has many electronic stores with competitive prices on all kinds of electronics.

6. There Was a Riot In 2013

On December 8th, 2013, there was a fatal accident in Little India. The accident took place at 21:23 SST at the junction of Race Course Road and Hampshire Road.

This accident caused angry mobs of passersby to attack the emergency vehicles at the site as well as the bus that had arrived.

The riot lasted for over 2 hours and involved around 300 migrant laborers. The riot, the second one in India since the 1969 race riots, was the second one in post-independence Singapore.

7. Little India Is Served by Several MRT stations

The MRT, the Mass Rapid System, is Singapore’s principal mode of railway transportation. Farrer Park on the North East line, Rochor and Jalan Besar on the Downtown Line, and Little India are just a few of the MRT stations that service Little India.

Serangoon Road is the route that takes bus services 23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 131, 139, 147, 857, and NR6 through Little India.

8. Little India Has a Colorful Past

Europeans primarily resided in this area in the 1840s for the racetrack, where they socialized and met. When cattle dealing gained traction, it primarily involved Indians because traders hired migrant Indian workers.

Mosques and Hindu temples were constructed, and certain commodities and services became popular.

9. There Are Several Festivals Hosted in The District

Little India during the Deepavali season. – Unknown Author – Wikipedia

Other shopping in Little India, one can indulge in festival celebrations. The most extreme of them is the Thaipusam festival usually held in January or February during the full moon.

Male devotees parade through the town throughout the day while carrying elaborate shrines attached to their bodies with piercing hooks called kavadis. Typically, female devotees will just accompany the procession while toting a pot of milk.

The procession departs from the Sri Thandayuthapani Temple on Tank Road and travels to the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple on Serangoon Road.

Another festival is the Deepavali. This is the Hindu festival of light. Before the Deepavali begins, the Thimithi is held. During this festival, male devotees walk across a burning charcoal platform. 

10. Little India Was Recognized Officially as A District In the 1980s

It wasn’t until the 1980s that Little India received its current name. With the name, came the new title and Little India became a district.

This was done because of the former Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB). The board worked diligently to promote the preservation and enjoyment of Singapore’s ethnic neighborhoods and was responsible for this.