The Indian Markets of Singapore

When one travels to Singapore, one realizes that a variety of cultures lie just outside the door of their luxury Singapore business hotels.  Most of these experiences are just a train ride away.  Or if those inclined to long walks throughout foreign cities, a slice of Asian life is found on the street corners and sidewalks contained on this tiny island.  One example of the rich heritage and culture of the country is in Little India. This is a neighborhood of Singapore that began years ago, as a designated section of the city, for the immigrants and the Indian workers.  Urban planning, much under the direction of Sir Stanford Raffles, during the 19 Century, had various cultures a bit segregated.  As the various cultures were required to live in the communities and areas that were designated for them.  This is no longer the case, however this is now the center of cultural heritage for those of Indian decent, an area wherein the aspects of culture, and trade are kept alive and are still thriving.

Many visitors on a walking tour of Singapore, begin their path of Little India, just off the train platform of the Exit C.  When one exits here, they will be facing Bukit Timah Road,a street lined with markets and shops that leads one to the center of the sector, the Tekka Market. This is a farmers market, with many options for fresh seafood.  Many of the residents shop here daily, and it is a bustling center of food, goods, and textiles.  Along the streets, one will also find the Masjid Abdul Gafoor mosque. This is a place of worship, with one of the many artistic features being that of a sundial located in the entrance to the building.  And a walk along Campbell Lane, one will experience the visual pleasure of one of the oldest trades in Singapore, the flower shops.  Vendors in the shops weave together garlands of marigolds, jasmine and roses.  These garlands symbolize peace, purity and love.  Many residents visit these shops regularly in order to purchase the garlands in order to make their offerings at the mosques and temples located throughout this sector.