Since the beginning of development for the city of Singapore, East Indians have contributed and been a part of it all. The East India Company administrated Singapore, even though the headquarters were located in Calcutta. Convicts and prisoners were sent to serve jail time in Singapore. Once the prisoners served their time and were set free they continued to live in Singapore. They began working on clearing swamp land and reclaiming the land for farming. Many were instrumental in the construction of most of the buildings, including temples and even the Saint Andrew’s Cathedral. The prison system at the time was highly progressive, and provided courses of study and classes for the prisoners to learn a trade of their choice during their nights in jail. So once they were released they were skilled tradesman and left their signatures on most of Singapore. Many others traveled of there own free will, to seek work and to find their fortunes. They brought with them the aspects of their country, their religions, languages, and cuisine which accounts for many a Singapore fine dining experience. The Indians in Singapore celebrate more often than those in India, creating spectacular feasts, for the eyes, as well as for the belly. The colorful parties attract many from all over Singapore, as well as for the many international travelers throughout the year.
Many carry on the traditions, as in the red dot on a woman’s forehead to indicate that she is married, or a red streak down the middle of her hair, but now days, the young have modified that tradition often color coordinating the dyes to match the color of their clothing. Some have even put away their saris in favor of the western style of dress. From time to time one will still see women with the black dot on her forehead, a traditional belief that is meant to ward off the ill intents of an evil eye. And above many doorways of the houses and the shops in Little India hang dried leaves of mangoes. This is to protect the building from the entrance of evil spirits, a wish of fortune and a blessing to all those who enter. And many visit the area for the curry. The most famous restaurants in Singapore exist within the blocks of this community.
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