Indian Muslim Heritage Centre to open next year

Singapore's first Indian Muslim Heritage Centre to open next year

Singapore will have its first Indian Muslim Heritage Centre soon. It will be situated within the Nagore Dargah monument along Telok Ayer Street, and will open in the middle of next year.

Built nearly 180 years ago by Indian traders, the Nagore Dargah was gazetted as a national monument in 1974.

Legend has it that traders who set sail for Penang and Singapore from the original Nagore Dargah in coastal Tamil Nadu built the monument to remind them of home.

The Dargah, which is still visited for thanksgiving by Indian Muslims, went through a S$900,000 renovation two years ago.

The Indian Muslim Heritage Centre will feature the lifestyle and culture of the close-knit community through photographs and stories.

Significant historical events will also be featured.

Naseer Ghani, secretary of the Nagore Dargah Fundraising Committee, said: "The younger generation Indian Muslims do not know the history of the community. So to keep in touch with that, we felt the heritage centre will serve its purpose.

"Apart from that, the Indian Muslim community's history is a learning point for all communities in Singapore. We are opening it up for everyone; anyone in Singapore (can) come in."

One way to enjoy the traditions of the community is through their food.

The halal food chain "Banquet" will operate within the centre and serve authentic Indian Muslim food to tantalise taste buds.

Favourite items like nasi briyani and teh tarik will be on the menu.

-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-