temple scenes in Little India, Singapore

Singapore has a vibrant and influential Indian community. Cultural identity remains strong among these immigrants and they practice traditional customs and religion with fervor. Just go to any of the island nation’s thriving and colorful Hindu temples. In one visit to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the Hindu temple of Kali, last 2007, I happened to come on Friday noon which was most fortunate. It was one of two days that ceremonies are held and holy water are dispensed. The rites are different to what I witness at Hindu Bali which of course is already mixed vigorously with Javanese animism.



priests at an inner courtyard in the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India, Singapore
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/400s, f/4.5, 34mm, ISO 800, -1/3EV


The prayer ceremony was swift. All of a sudden people converged at the corner in front of a Brahmin priest, chanting and offering flowers and candles. The atmosphere seemed intense to me, especially when traditional trumpets and drums were blaring inside. Perhaps the worshippers are aware that they are in one tourist-popular temple that they did not mind me. I tried to be discreet as much as I could as they are after all, lost in their own reverie.


worshippers at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, LittleIndia, Singapore
Canon EOS 350D Digital, 1/25s, f/5.6, 55mm, ISO 1600, +1/3EV