It’s a great time to be hanging out in Little India. Not only are two major Hindu festivals happening almost back to back, the area is also getting the Singapore Art Week treatment, not to mention a new hipster cafe. Here’s your to do list

There’s a hip new vinyl shop and cafe in the area

Sturdee Road near Farrer Park MRT is now home to Choice Cuts. The dilapidated-chic space sells records, great coffee from Common Man, select cult brand apparel and other goodies. It’s a bit of this and a bit of that, but the carefully executed aesthetic brings it all together. Check out their Instagram page.

Hastings Road will be pedestrianized for the Pongal carnival

Also happening in January is the harvest festival of Pongal. Hastings Road will be closed to traffic, for a market and carnival space that will run Jan 8-15. Head down and check out the music, traditional dance performances, henna artists and, of course, the food. The party extends into Campbell Lane as well, and there is a light-up ceremony at 6:30pm on Jan 7.

ArtWalk Little India has the neighborhood covered in murals

Thaipusam is almost here

One of Singapore’s biggest Hindu festivals is just over a month away. Thaipusam, whose most notable feature is a 4km procession from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to Sri Thandayuthapani Temple, is taking place over two days on Feb 9-10. Many people choose to pierce their skin with hooks and spikes as a show of devotion to Lord Murugan. If you’re going down to check it out, just be sure to stay out of the way of the participants and keep apace of the procession. More info here.