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Little India is getting its very own street festival – and it’s turning the historic stretch of Campbell Lane into a celebration of the trades, makers and communities that have shaped the neighbourhood over the years.
Co-created by the Indian Heritage Centre and the Little India Shop Owners and Heritage Association (LISHA), the Little India Street Festival will pack the lane with heritage-inspired installations, live performances, hands-on crafts, street eats, and a marketplace showcasing contemporary takes on old-school trades.
At the centre of it all is a large-scale street installation inspired by the colourful shophouses lining the precinct. It will spotlight the businesses that have long been part of Campbell Lane’s roots, from textile and jewellery sellers to flower shops, spice merchants, barbers and eateries.
There’s plenty to get stuck into, too. From 10am to 6pm, visitors can paint their own shophouse magnets, try traditional-inspired block printing and make paper versions of Indian ornaments. Kids can also poke around the interactive ‘Let’s Try a Trade’ travelling exhibition, which introduces historical occupations once central to the local Indian community.
Campbell Lane will also host a full day of performances. Expect Indian classical and folk dance, contemporary acts, multicultural showcases, youth performers and live music, including a debut appearance by local band Infinity with a set of classic and contemporary Indian songs.
And remember to bring your wallets. The Heritage Bazaar, organised by Tekka.sg, brings together nine contemporary businesses reinterpreting trades traditionally associated with Campbell Lane, with stalls spanning incense, spices, jewellery, textiles, beauty, food and sweets. Meanwhile, LISHA vendors will dish out street food, snacks, desserts and drinks throughout the day.
For something a little more hands-on, the Indian Heritage Centre is also running ticketed workshops, including a Tanjore Art Workshop and Discover Little India: A Kids’ Sensory Adventure, where children can explore the precinct through its textiles, spices, sounds and flower-garland traditions.
There are also a few bonus stops worth making. Head to Little India MRT’s North-East Line Exit C from 1pm to 3pm for a complimentary mini flower garland, or swing by the Narpani Pearavai booth at the Indian Heritage Centre to put your knowledge of Indian culture and heritage through three levels of quizzes.
The Little India Street Festival takes place on August 29 from 10am to 6pm around Campbell Lane and the Indian Heritage Centre. Entry to the festival and its free programmes is complimentary, while food and selected workshops are chargeable.
Find out more here.
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