Sunday Wanderings in Little India

Yesterday I had the chance to wander around Little India again, and I’m glad I chose a Sunday. If there is one day when this neighbourhood feels most alive, it has to be Sunday. The moment I stepped out from Little India MRT and exited towards Tekka Center, it was like walking straight into a festival.

Everywhere I looked, the energy was buzzing. Shops were open wide, overflowing with colours and people. Some shopkeepers were enthusiastically announcing their products, calling out deals in loud, cheerful voices. Speakers blasted playful music that mixed with the chatter of the crowd. It felt chaotic, but in a very good way, like the whole area was in celebration mode.

As I walked along, the first thing that hit me was the aroma. The streets were filled with the smell of spices, curry leaves, masala, incense, everything blending into this familiar “Little India” scent. It’s the kind of smell that makes you instantly hungry, even if you just ate. I could see people lining up at eateries, some having late lunches, others already starting on early dinners.

From Tekka Center, I slowly made my way towards Mustafa Center.

In theory, it’s just a short walk, maybe around 20 minutes, but of course I took much longer because I kept stopping to take photos. 😂 There were just too many interesting things along the way.

I passed by traditional statues displayed outside some shops, each one full of character and detail. Then there were the wall paintings, big, bold, and colorful. Some depicted scenes of Indian culture, others were more modern and playful. They added so much personality to the side streets and back alleys, it felt like walking through an open-air gallery.

The shophouses in this area are another thing I always enjoy. The architecture is that familiar traditional Singapore style, but with a strong Indian touch, bright colours, intricate patterns, decorative windows and arches.

It’s like a mix of two worlds on the same façade. If you love taking photos, this is definitely one of those neighbourhoods where you’ll keep saying, “Okay, last photo,” and then still keep snapping away.

At one point, I passed a temple that really caught my eye. The exterior was covered with statues on almost every corner and ledge, gods, animals, and mythological figures all carefully arranged. The details were incredible. Even from the outside, you could feel that this place is important to the community, not just as a religious site, but also as a cultural landmark.

Eventually, I reached Mustafa Center. No matter how many times I’ve been here, it still amazes me. Shopping here really feels like “everything is under one roof.” From groceries to electronics, perfumes to luggage, snacks, clothes, and random items you didn’t even know you wanted, everything is here, lol. Prices are generally cheaper too, which makes it even more tempting to grab a few extra things.

By the time I was done, I felt satisfied in that simple, happy way. It wasn’t a big, grand trip, just a Sunday wandering around one of Singapore’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. But it was wonderful and exciting in its own way. Little India always reminds me that you don’t have to travel far to feel immersed in another culture.

I’ll definitely be back again soon, maybe to explore new corners, try different food spots, and of course… take more photos along the way. 🌶📸✨

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