Indian businesses and services in Manama, Bahrain

Tucked into the lanes of Manama Souq, a short walk from Bab Al Bahrain, the Shrinathji temple is a reminder of how long Indian traders have been part of Bahrain. Dedicated to Shrinathji, a form of Krishna, it dates back around two centuries and remains a working temple. Bahrain is more open about religious practice than some of its neighbours, and Indian Christians, Hindus and Sikhs have places to gather, including several gurdwaras.

The souk area is still where many South Asian traders work, selling gold, textiles, spices and electronics, and the streets around Bab Al Bahrain fill up on Thursday and Friday evenings. Gudaibiya, to the south-east, is a busy, cosmopolitan district with many Indian and Pakistani residents, and grocers and restaurants serving Kerala, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan food. Many families live further out, around the Indian-curriculum schools in Isa Town and the suburbs.

Community organisations have deep roots. The Indian Club, founded in 1915, is one of the oldest clubs in Bahrain, and the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, set up in 1947, is a focal point of Malayali cultural life. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are public holidays. The weekend falls on Friday and Saturday, and the King Fahd Causeway brings many visitors from Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province at weekends, which makes malls and restaurants noticeably busier.