Special event gives Little India gigantic exposure

By Shaun Inguanzo
TRADERS in central Dandenong’s Little India precinct are holding a special event this month to expose Greater Dandenong residents to Indian culture.
Bollywood dancers and music will take centre stage on Sunday as part of a cultural day at the Foster and Mason Street based precinct beginning at 11am.
The day will also include demonstrations on how to wear a sari, and how to do henna art.
Visitors will have the opportunity to tease their tastebuds and look for specials on offer by the precinct’s traders.
The cultural day follows the recent branding of Little India to distinguish the precinct from other strip shopping in central Dandenong.
The predominantly purple and gold theme branding has been used on bins and shop windows to confirm to shoppers and passers-by they are in a unique shopping strip.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea said the project supported the precinct and brought to the street the colour and feel of what was available inside the shops.
“This shopping strip is extremely popular, attracting people from far and wide because of the wonderful saris and authentic Indian spices,” he said.
The City of Greater Dandenong council this week said that free walking tours of Little India are continuing each month in 2007.
An experienced tour guide takes walkers on a journey to awaken the senses, revealing the city’s rich Indian culture through clothing, cosmetics, food, film and music.
The tour has something for all ages and concludes with a meal in Little India’s Payal restaurant.
The next walking tour is scheduled for Friday 22 June and bookings are essential.
For information on the cultural day or the tour, phone Nadine Curzon-Siggers on 9239 5134.