Little India


It was not long ago when I shunned this Little India stretch of Serangoon Road as much as I could. I didn’t like the perpetual crowd, errant pedestrians, and the overwhelming smell in the air which was a mix of spices, incense and garland flowers. But when I finally gave the place a chance and explored it beyond the comfort of a vehicle, there were actually many surprises to be discovered along these streets that were laced with Shophouses. Ever since being gazetted as a historic district by the URA in 1989, Little India has been constantly reinventing itself. On the main street of Serangoon Road, we could see many Shophouses being given fresh coats of paint to regain its original pristine self. However the most interesting area that are left untouched and allowed to aged naturally. There exist a stronger sense of authenticity to its façade as opposed to those that have been restored. Nestle among the neighbourhood are courtyard spaces which becomes a focal point for people to gather. Despite the picture being taken in the late afternoon, there were still crowds sitting around leisurely under the shades provided by the tree. There is a rustic charm to a scene as such, where people stop and genuinely enjoy the environment. In contrast to backdrop of the bustling town it is set in, it makes it even easier to appreciate the idyllic nature of this place.

Lin Shuxian