The North Indian community’s roots in Singapore dates back to the early 20th century when Indian immigrants from the North Indian States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Bengal and Gujerat arrived in Singapore. They came as herdsmen, dairymen and moneylenders. Those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were also employed as security guards (jagas) in houses, shops and factories. Most of these Indians settled on the banks of Rochor Canal, Serangoon Road and the vicinity.
Before 1960, the North Indians had no special place of worship and used to worship at the North Indian Hindu Association at Cuff Road. Their main festivals such as Ram Navami (the birth of Rama), Krishna Janmashtami (the birth of Lord Krishna), Shivrathri (the worship of Lord Shiva), Navrathri, (the nine-day worship of Matha Durga) and Holi, the Festival of Colours were all celebrated here.
In 1960, several residential units were purchased by the North Indian community and converted into the Shree Lakshminarayan Temple. Although the temple is open to all Hindus, it is predominantly patronised by North Indians.