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As Singapore is a small and relatively modern amalgam of Chinese , Malay , India n and Europe an immigrants, the culture of Singapore expresses the diversity of the population as the various ethnic groups continue to celebrate their own cultures while they intermingle with one another. For example, one can find a Malay wedding taking place beside a Chinese funeral at a Void Deck , on the ground floor of a HDB apartment block. This can be said to be due to the policies of the HDB which tried to make sure all public housing have a diverse mix of races. However, Singapore has achieved a significant degree of Cultural Diffusion with its unique combination of these ethnic groups, and has given Singapore a rich mixture of diversity for its young age. Singapore has several distinct ethnic neighborhoods, including Little India , Chinatown and Kampong Glam , formed by the Raffles Plan Of Singapore in the early 19th century to segregate the new immigrants into specific areas. Although the population are no longer segregated in distribution, mainly due to the policies of the Housing Development Board and the ruling People's Action Party , these ethnic neighborhoods retain unique elements of their specific culture. The usage of such neighborhoods is mostly commercial or for Cottage Industry specific to the culture of its ethnic neighborhood, and no longer plays a large part in housing the population, although it was once used for that purpose. Hence, these neighborhoods have patronage of all races who wish to either eat or buy something specific to that culture. For example, Little India is known and patronized by all races within the population for its thalis-- South Indian " Buffet s" that are Vegetarian and served on the traditional Banana Leaves . These neighborhoods are accessible by public transport, especially by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT). In other parts of the country, such segregation is discouraged by government policy. The policies of the Housing Development Board are designed to encourage a mix of all races within each housing district, with a quota system in place to achieve a minimum of minorities in each block. This effect can be observed in all parts of the country; for example a store devoted to selling Malay Food might be right next to stores selling Chinese or India n goods. The aim is to foster social cohesion and national loyalty, which Lee Kuan Yew felt was crucial for sustaining Singapore after independence when he was Prime Minister . There is a weighty emphasis on racial harmony and subsequent case study of historical events, such as the 1964 Race Riots . FESTIVALS See Also: Holidays in Singapore The major public holidays reflect the mentioned racial diversity, including Chinese New Year , Buddhist Vesak Day , Muslim Eid Ul-Fitr (known locally by its Malay name Hari Raya Puasa ), and Hindu Diwali (known locally by its Tamil name Deepavali ). Christian s constitute a large minority, and Christmas Day , Good Friday , and New Year's Day are also public holidays. On August 9 , Singapore celebrates the anniversary of its independence with a series of events, including the National Day Parade which is the main ceremony. The National Day Parade, 2005 was held at the Padang in the city centre. RELIGION , built in 1843, is the largest Hindu temple in Singapore.]] Singapore is a multi-religious country, the roots of which can be traced to its strategic location; after its declaration as a port, a wide variety of nationalities and ethnicities from places as far as Arabia immigrated to Singapore. More than 40% of the Singaporeans adhere to Buddhism , the main faith of the Chinese population of Singapore. Other Chinese are followers of Taoism , Confucianism , and Christianity , including Catholics . Christians constitute about 14% of the population of Singapore. Most Malays are Muslims , who constitute about 15% of the population, while most Indians are Hindus , constituting 7%. There is also a sizable number of Muslims and Sikh s in the Indian population. As a result of this diversity, there are a large number of religious buildings including Hindu temples, Churches and Mosque s, some of which have great historical significance. There are also some Sikh temples and Jew ish Synagogues . These interesting buildings often became prominent architectural landmarks in cosmopolitan Singapore . A selected list of include
In addition, about 14% of Singaporeans do not belong to any religion and consider themselves as " Free-thinkers ". RACIAL HARMONY Racial harmony is an important concept in Singaporean society. Briefly shaken by the racial Riot s in Singapore's History during the 1960s, it emerged stronger after independence and is seen as a cornerstone of Singapore's culture today. Religious tolerance has been strongly encouraged since the British colonised Singapore; the Sri Mariamman Temple (a south Indian Hindu temple that was declared a National Heritage site in the 1980s), as well as the Masjid Jamae Mosque that served Chulia Muslims from India 's Coromandel Coast is situated along South Bridge Road, which is a major, and old road that runs through Chinatown. Among other religious landmarks is the Church Of Gregory The Illuminator , that was built in 1836, making it one of the oldest religious buildings in Singapore. It has been preserved to the present day, and Orthodox services continue to be held in it. Although orthodox religions are tolerated, some groups are banned, including Jehovah's Witness , which opposes Singapore's policy of National Service . CUISINE |
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