Giving Back

In the spirit of Durga Puja, the Singapore Indian Puja Association has wholeheartedly embraced the theme of 'Giving Back', intertwining devotion with a deep sense of responsibility towards our environment and community. Our initiatives for 2024 include:

Eco-consciousness:

Our commitment to a greener planet is evident in our decision to go plastic-free for all plates and cutlery used during the festivities. While we are not reusing last year’s idol, we are taking significant steps to reduce our environmental impact through the elimination of single-use plastics across all food and prasad distributions, making this year’s Puja celebration more sustainable.

Beach Cleaning Drive:

As part of our environmental stewardship, we have taken proactive steps to ensure our beaches remain pristine for future generations. Our Beach Cleaning Drive invites all volunteers to participate in this rewarding initiative, reflecting our dedication to preserving the beauty of nature while celebrating the festival.

Annadaan: The Sacred Act of Giving:

Recognizing that offering food is one of the most sacred and selfless acts, we are committed to providing meals to 200 individuals daily during the Puja. Derived from Sanskrit, "Annadaan" signifies the "donation of food." It is believed that among all forms of charity, providing sustenance to the hungry is the most virtuous. This noble gesture not only alleviates physical hunger but also symbolizes compassion, unity, and shared humanity.

The essence of Annadaan is beautifully captured in the Sanskrit shloka:
"अन्नदानं महादानं"
which translates to:
"The donation of food is the greatest of all gifts."

Food Donation Drive for Wishing Well Foundation:

As part of our expanded social efforts this year, we are organizing a Food Donation Drive for the Wishing Well Foundation, helping to provide essential resources and nourishment to those in need. This drive reflects our continuous mission to support vulnerable communities and spread the joy of giving during the festive season.

Vegetable Washing and Chopping for Wishing Well Foundation:

We are also contributing through a Vegetable Washing and Chopping initiative for the Wishing Well Foundation, where volunteers come together to prepare ingredients for meals, offering practical help to community kitchens that support those in need.

Past Endeavors:

Reflecting on our past initiatives, we proudly supported the Anglican Care Centre, the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) in Singapore, Sri Krsna’s initiative for free meals to migrant workers, and St Hilda’s Community Services for the elderly. Additionally, our community united in a collection drive to aid those affected by the Turkey earthquake. These past endeavors continue to inspire our mission of giving back.

More to Come:

For 2024, we are excited to announce even more initiatives and activities. From new community service efforts to spiritual enrichment programs, we are continuously expanding our outreach. Stay tuned for updates as we work together to make this year’s Durga Puja even more impactful!