INDIAN CULTURE
Brickfields
is
located
along
Jalan
Tun
Sambanthan. The story behind it began with the huge flood in Kuala Lumpur, followed by a fire which destroyed the whole town. Then, Frank Swettenham requested that all the buildings are to be reconstructed of brick and tile instead. Not long after, Brickfields became the center of brick-making as it was well known for producing good quality clay bricks. As a result of labor shortage, British brought in many Indians from Sri Lanka. Many of them then continued living here and became citizens of Malaysia as Brickfields was known to them as their home. This history led to Brickfields
being
one
of
the
pioneer
settlements in Kuala Lumpur with a large Indian community.
When one has arrived along Jalan Tun Sambanthan, it feels as if you are standing on a bustling street in India due to the one of a kind decorations and colours of the street. Brickfields act as a intersection point due to its strategic location that is closed to KL Central. As a result, Jalan Tun Sambanthan would occasionally turn into a bazaar which sells traditional Indian candies and savouries, fresh flowers, jewelleries, textile, decorative items, fireworks and many Indian delicacies. The true. There is no better way to experience the colours and flavours that forms the rich culture of Malaysian Indians than to be there in person.
The Perfect Light Families shopping for brightly coloured candles and paper lanterns to light up and decorate their homes in celebration of the Festival of Lights. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
Sari Shopping Sari is a female Indian traditional wear worn on special occasions like Deepavali. There are many textile shops located at Brickfields that provide a wide range of bright colours and patterns for Sari shoppers to choose from. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
Looking Forward Family and friends gather at Brickfields for a drink on the eve of Deepavali, waiting for the clock to strike at midnight. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
Textiles Colorful textiles and clothes that attract the sight of visitors.
By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Eye-Catching Colourful flowers bring more excitement towards the arrival Deepavali. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
Kid’s Excitement A little boy is begging his parents to buy more firecrackers for him. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
Crowd This photograph shows the congested traffic at Little India street during Deepavali eve. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953
Flower Market The photograph here shows the busy street selling just flower garland, located at one of the little India street alley. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953
Street Bazaar Every year during Deepavali season, stalls are setup for trading of Indian food, accessory, textile and so on. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953
In the weeks before Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, Brickfields becomes particularly colourful. Indian culture believes colours represent certain things and have certain characteristics. Colour has become synonymous with its religion, being an expression of faith and beliefs. Many Indian families and tourist would purposely come all the way to Brickfields to on the eve of Deepavali to gather and wait for the clock to strike 12. After the countdown to Deepavali, firecrackers and performances would be held on Jalan Tun Sambanthan to celebrate the biggest celebration of all Hindu festivals.
Sharing The Joy TV3 Broadcasting live at Brickfields to share the joy of the Festival of Lights with the rest of the nation. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
True Performer A performer dressed as the late Michael Jackson, performing his heart out on the streets of Brickfields in celebration of the biggest Hindu festival. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
Light The Night When the clock strikes 12, the Hindus would produce a spectacular display of brightly coloured fireworks to light up the night sky in celebration of the Festival of Lights. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
Live DJ Performance The sound of popular songs from the latest Bollyhood offerings waft from shops and alleyways, bustling with people during the eve of Deepavali. By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Hustle & Bustle Shoppers thronged Little India in Brickfields for their Deepavali shopping. By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Rush Hour Last minute shopping and festive street celebration at the city's biggest "Little India". By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Live-Broadcast The boy is wishing the whole Indian nation a happy Deepavali. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
The Performer The clown is doing street performance to celebrate Deepavali when the clock strikes 12a.m. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
The Moment Brickfields becomes a light street once Deepavali arrives. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
Celebration The man lights up different fire crackers in the middle of the road providing an awesome fireworks show. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
Celebration Little India shines brightly, lighted up by fireworks and joy of the people. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953
Merge This photo captured the moment of a performer, blending so well with the atmosphere merged as part of the celebration. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953
In an effort to better express the rich culture of the Indian community in Brickfields, the government have been assuring Brickfields role as the Little Indian of Kuala Lumpur by giving the street a new look, transforming it into one that expresses the unique culture of Malaysian Indians. Among the construction included is the grand entrance archway, coloured pavements, celebratory arches, a paint job on the buildings, the intricate workmanship of colourful columns which were carved in India, custom-made lamp posts that are reminiscent of the Indian snack murukku and the elaborate fountain.
Fountain of Chennai The tallest fountain in Malaysia acts as a semiotic element of Brickfields and a symbol of appreciation from the government to the Indian community. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
Lasting Impression These multi-coloured arches stretches along the street of Tun Sambanthan, acting as a semiotic element of Little India. When one sees these arches, it would relate them to Brickfields. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
Street Signage Beautiful arches carved by artisans from India greet its visitors once they enter Brickfields. By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Symbolism Shophouses in Brickfields are in purple color. In Hindu belief, purple is the color of the crown chakra. By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Street Signage A colourful elephant fountain at the junction of the street makes an interesting visual announcement in the modern city.
By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Street Beauty The colourful archway and flowers form a beautiful interaction between each other. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
Arch This photo shows a worker painting the arch that placed along the little India, adding colours to the street. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953
Brickfields is now commonly known to many people as the Little India of Kuala Lumpur due to the large percentage of Indian residences and businesses. Because of this, tourists are able to experience the society, history, culture and memory while they walk down Jalan Tun Sambanthan. For example, there is the Vivekananda Ashram which was constructed in 1904 with Moghul style embellishments. It was named in honour of the Indian spiritual leader Vivekananda who visited Malaya in 1893. His statue still stands tall in front of the building until today. The building is currently being used for spiritual educational classes and prayer meetings.
The Art of Henna Intricate patterns of Henna are applied during ceremonial occasions like Deepavali. It is a cultural practice and ceremonial art form of the Hindus. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
Flower Garlands Flower garlands are used by Hindus during prayers. The street vendor is making fresh garlands to be sold as there will be a high demand of it during Deepavali. By Michelle Kho Hwee Tinn 0300154
Roti Canai ‘Roti Canai’ is a type of India-influenced flatbread that can be found on this street. By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Laddu Laddu is one of the main traditional dessert served at the celebration of Deepavali. By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Traditional Potteries Attractive potteries for those who look for intricate designs.
By Ong Chin Ai 0300330
Historical Building Vivekahanda Ashrama is one of the famous landmark in Brickfields. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
Amazed The people gather at the street to watch the amazing non-stopping fireworks. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
Decoration Deepavali atmosphere can be felt when looking at the beautiful house decorative item. By Ng Jia Wai 1101P13466
Man at Work This photograph shows an Indian man working on the flower ingredient, before they can tie into flower garlands. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953
Lady of Henna The photograph here shows the hand of a Tamil lady drawn with henna, getting ready for the Deepavali celebration. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953
Joy This photograph shows the street congested with people doing shopping and sharing laughter, getting into the Deepavali mood. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953
Curious This photograph shows the girl observing at how flower garlands are made. By Lim Jia Ling 0300953