Hindus in Singapore

In Singapore  is a multi ethnic country that is home  to  different religious groups. The Hindus  also form  a major part  of  the  demography  of  singapore. though the  majorrity of  people in Singapore are Chinese and hence the main religion of the country is Buddhism,  the  Hinduism  also  found  its niche in the  country. Hindus form the third largest population after the Malaya-speaking Muslims.

The early 19th century saw a lot of immigrants from South India. Most of these  immigrants are  Tamils. They  came here to work as coolies and labors for the British East India Company in Singapore. These immigrants brought along their religion and culture from their homeland as well. Their arrival saw the building of temples throughout the island and the beginnings of a vibrant Hindu culture.The first temple, Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown, was built as early as 1827 by narayana Pillai .The temples are all built in the Dravidian style.The temples  served to hold the Hindu  community together .There are currently about thirty main temples in Singapore, dedicated to various gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.

.Almost all Hindus in Singapore are ethnic Indians.Hindus make up a minority, comprising about 4% of adult Singapore citizens and permanent residents . A unique feature of Hinduism in Singapore is the fact that a noticeable number of non-Indians, usually Buddhist Chinese, do participate in a variety of Hindu activities .It is by no means unusual to see non-Hindu images, such as manifestations of the Buddha, in Hindu temple compounds in Singapore

Some of the major Hindu festivals celebrated every year include Deepavali, Thaipusam, Pongal, Tamil New Year. the Fire walking festival, Holi and various Hindu temple chariot processions.Thaipusam  is a major Hindu religious festival that is only celebrated in Singapore and Malaysia, since it was banned in India.Thus it can be said that Hinduism in Singapore is unique in it 's own way .