Life's Little Treasures: Little India

Saturday, 2 November 2013

Deepavali Bazaar

Hello, hello . . . another festival to celebrate in Singapore. It's the Hindu's 'Festival of Lights'. A bazaar called the Deepavali Festival Village in between Hasting Road and Campbell Lane, opposite of Mustafa Centre is the place to go in Little India. I almost given this a miss but a change of heart made me want to go there to see their colourful apparels and wares. Every bazaar is different because of the traditions inherent in every culture. Being on the eve of Deepavali, I thought my visit would be mired by the crowds. It was not that bad after all, armed with my phone, here's is what I saw.

Clearance Sale

Kurta

Kurtis (women clothing)

Intricate Embellished Bodice

Costume Jewelry

Bangles

The Henna Store was very interesting look at. Young women had their hands adorn with elaborate pretty henna tattoo designs for this Deepavali celebration. It cost $10 to have it done on the hand and $15 extended to the arm.

Henna Stall

Henna Artist

Close Up Of The Henna Application

Shoes

Garland Stall

Roses & Jasmine For their Garlands

Decorative Oil Lamps

Glazed Oil Lamps

Decorative Lights

Snacks & Cookies

Spices & Seasoning Paste

Carpets

Serangoon Road

Old Gates of the defunct New World Amusement Park

When I was done with the picture taking, I crossed the road and made my way to the nearby subway station. This gateway is reminiscent of a amusement park back in the 1930's. Glad I went, I could see the cute tiny oil lamps and floral candles on sale. Diwali involves lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil. Below is the a rangoli done by a teacher at one of the childcare centres I go to. Here's wishing all Hindu readers a Happy Deepavali.

Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Quirky Panache Of A Villa

This is one of the widely photographed house in Little India in Singapore. Built in the 1900's, this was the residence of Tan Teng Niah who was an owner of a few confectionery factories. This is one at 37 Kerbau Road is one of the last surviving Chinese villas in Little India. Restored and conserved, is being leased out.

Being in this part of town, Little India is dotted with Hindu temples, eateries and shops selling saris, Indian spices, flower garlands, vegetables. It is Singapore's foremost Indian enclave. The building's flamboyant useage of colours conveys Indians preferences for bold and bright colours.

I had to go down to check out this building. Lo and Behold, it completely blow my mind. This is so unlike other Heritage Houses. I wonder whether its could keep this exterior for long. Earlier this year in March, the Urban Redevelopment Authority has set new colour guidelines for conserved buildings. It is looking at pastel shades of pink, blue and green. Too bland, right? Specially in a place like this where its richness derived from the Indian culture and heritage.