HINDUISM IN SINGAPORE

There are over 35 Hindu temples in Singapore, which are needed to serve the religious needs of the many Hindus residing there. Hindu religion and culture in Singapore can be traced back to the early 19th century, when a wave of immigrants from southern India arrived seeking to work for the British East India Company. They built temples for worship, and also for holding the community together as a source of comfort in a foreign land.

There are currently about thirty main Hindu temples in Singapore, dedicated to various gods and goddesses. Hindus make up a minority, comprising about 5.1% of adult Singapore citizens and permanent residents in 2010. Almost all Hindus in Singapore are ethnic Indians. Within the Indian community, 55.4% are Hindu.

The government of Singapore is secular, but promotes a multi-cultural society. Accordingly, the Hindu festival of Deepavali is recognised as a national public holiday, alongside religious holidays of other communities. Some non-Indians, usually Buddhist Chinese, participate in various Hindu activities. Several major Hindu festivals are celebrated every year.

This post is part of the inSPIREd Sunday meme.