Indian shopping fest offers fashion, food

The fourth shopping festival hosted by tabla!, Tamil Murasu and events company de ideaz was inaugurated on Sept 24 with Senior Minister of State for Law and Education Indranee Rajah lighting the traditional Indian lamp. The festival, called the Singapore International Indian Shopping Festival (SIISFest), will be on till Sept 27 evening.

Despite being a hazy day, shoppers were seen checking out the stalls early on Sept 24 morning. The vendors, who displayed their wares at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre's Halls 403 and 404, have come from India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia.

Hot-selling items include clothing, jewellery, statues and handicrafts.

When tabla! visited the festival hall we saw Indian bangle-maker Islam Ahmed at work. Simply choose the colour and design of the bangles and he will make them right in front of you.

One of the highlights of this year is the Delhi Haat (a village market) and the Rajasthan Heritage Village - a showpiece of traditional Indian culture, bringing together a group of exhibitors showcasing apparel, accessories and arts and craft.

Shoppers also stand a chance to win a Hyundai Sonata VIII when you spend a minimum of $30 in a single receipt.

And if you are hit by hunger pangs during your shopping spree, worry not. The Banana Leaf Apolo was seen serving Indian speciality foods from cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi and more.

Telugu star Rana Daggubati of Baahubali fame is set to make his appearance at the festival on Sept 26 afternoon.

Get a copy of tabla! for more stories.