A sea of faces.

"Bangle-Li"

Some may call it an unspeakable horror to be lost in a sea of highly unfamiliar faces. I call it Nirvana. I call this Utopia. My trip to the heartbeat of Deepavali in Singapore has opened yet another eye on my forehead. Deepavali, also known as Diwali, displays an extraordinary magnetic ability. It is able to draw the 8% Indian populace to Little India.

After my CCA training (I'm into long distance running by the way), Pabita (my interesting Indian friend), Dian Xiang (my ingenious running mate)and I went to have dinner at Hougang Mall. I had Salmon pepper rice and boy, did it fill me up! After leaving Hougang Mall, Pabita and I accompanied Dian Xiang home. I really had to get my hands cleaned, so I got a chance to wash my hands at Dian Xiang's. With Dian Xiang left at home, Pabita and I headed to Little India for the 11th hour Deepavali shopping which her mother needed.

From the moment I got off the train at the station, I saw a multitude (an understatement)of Indians. Some, I guess, were so excited, they started running up the steps! There seemed to be some countdown to Deepavali in the Verge (aka Tekka Mall). The 2 of us, however, had to meet Shakita (Pab's sis) and her mother. Well, the foursome convoy then set out to conquer the streets of Little India. There was loud music blaring from the speakers in all directions. I was really hoping for the song 'Kathaal Yannai' or "Daddy Mummy' to be played. Sadly, it was but a hope and did not become reality. I saw the streets flooded by people and the smell from the Jasmine flowers wafted through the air. Cars moved at such a slow speed (thanks to the 'road blocks') that one could literally walk faster than a car. The situation reminded me of how the cows in India can actually cause a massive traffic congestion should the cows decide to sit on the road. I guess the cows in my context are the people. The bazaar held in front of Mustafa sold all sorts of Indian-related products. I saw this panjabi (aka Kurtas,refer to image). *http://www.eastwesteducation.org/images/adult_kurta_pyjama.jpg that looked great.

They were priced around $20. I, however, bought nothing.

I was very happy despite my weariness from the training. Culture immersion is a form of self-discovery. Get lost in a sea of people and let the sights, sounds and smells get to you! Oh, do not waffle over where to go, just let the people push you there.