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Little India was initially a district used by Europeans for cattle trading, where Indian migrant workers found jobs, specializing in cattle rearing.[3] Its location along the Serangoon River provided good conditions for raising livestock, resulting in the growth of that industry.[4][5] Eventually, the swamps were drained, and the European cattle farmers and traders moved out. Many of the cattle rearing migrant workers stayed, and the neighborhood became predominantly inhabited by South Asians, namely people of Indian descent.
A traffic collision in the neighbourhood on 8 December 2013, sparked a two-hour melee that claimed one life and injured twenty-seven people. Forty people were arrested following this incident.[6]
Under the modern People’s Action Party (PAP) policy of racial integration, Little India is deemed as a historical landmark. Many Indian businesses and cottage industries remain concentrated in Little India for the purpose of preserving cultural heritage. However, Little India is not the only zone in Singapore with a significant South Asian population, and Indian-dominant commercial zones can also be found in various Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates.
Little India is also home to Chinese Clan Associations, places of worship for various religions, and a range of businesses, including those selling electrical supplies, hardware, second-hand goods, and traditional items such as spice grinders and groceries.[7]
Little India is the center of Deepavali (Diwali) celebrations in Singapore.[8][9] Since 1989, the Deepavali light-up has taken place along Serangoon Road, covering over two kilometers with decorative lights. The Indian Heritage Centre organizes the Deepavali Open House, which includes cultural performances, rangoli workshops, and bus tours of the decorated areas.[8] A seasonal bazaar, known as the Deepavali Festival Village, features stalls selling traditional clothing, food, and household items. Celebrations typically conclude on Deepavali day, with some activities continuing into early November.[10]
Little India is also home to several art houses. In 1985, the National Arts Council launched the Arts Housing Scheme, aimed at identifying and renovating old buildings for arts and cultural activities. A line of shophouses along Kerbau Road were designated for the project, and the area is currently known as the Little India Arts Belt. As of 2011, there are seven arts organizations in the Belt. Three are contemporary theatre companies, while the other organizations involve traditional arts such as Malay dance and Indian theatre.[13]
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