SIPA, which embodies the values of solidarity, inclusivity, positivity, and affability, has integrated sustainability into every aspect of their Durga Puja festivities, as reported by Connected to India
Singapore’s Bengali community is eagerly preparing for Durga Puja 2023, and this year, the celebration has taken on a new dimension with the inclusion of the theme of ‘sustainability’ alongside the original themes of ‘equality’ and ‘inclusivity.’ The Singapore Indian Puja Association (SIPA), which embodies the values of solidarity, inclusivity, positivity, and affability, has integrated sustainability into every aspect of their Durga Puja festivities, as reported by Connected to India.
Last year’s Durga Puja in 2022 held special significance for SIPA as Singapore lifted all pandemic-related restrictions in April, and this momentum is carrying forward into Durga Puja 2023. For the Bengali diaspora worldwide, family reunions are a significant aspect of “Pujo,” and Bengalis in Singapore are eagerly anticipating these gatherings.
Shirshendu Bhattacharya, a senior office-bearer of SIPA, expressed his hopes for Durga Puja 2023, saying, “Durga Puja 2023 will be the second year of post-pandemic pujo, [and] we’re hoping to see more senior citizens during this pujo as many will be able to invite their parents to join them for Durga Puja in Singapore.”
“SIPA is a very new organization; Durga Puja 2023 would be our second Puja. In our first year of Durga Puja, we were able to welcome people from different parts of the Singapore community — we had a healthy participation from Odisha, North East, and the northern part of India, and also from the Sindhi community.”
— Shirshendu Bhattacharya, Senior office-bearer of SIPA
Sustainability is at the forefront of SIPA’s celebrations this year, with their commitment to the environment mirroring their dedication to positivity. SIPA is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint, such as reusing last year’s idol, eliminating single-use plastics, offering filtered water refills, and encouraging attendees to bring their own tiffin boxes. Additionally, the prasad will be served on eco-friendly shalpata, which are plates crafted from tree leaves.
SIPA has received recognition from the renowned Indian quizmaster Siddhartha Basu, who has created a Durga Puja quiz for the association and commended them in a special video. This video will be officially unveiled by SIPA closer to the Durga Puja dates.
The venue for SIPA’s celebrations will be the Singapore Sindhi Association, and Durga Puja 2023 is scheduled to take place from October 20 to October 24. Interestingly, the Bengali festival of Durga Puja coincides with the northern Indian festival of Navratri. Traditionally, Durga Puja spans five days, from Shashthi (the sixth day) to Bijoya Dashami (the tenth day), which aligns with Dussehra, the conclusion of Navratri.
While celebrations in India follow the panjika (almanac), organizers overseas sometimes adjust their festivities to align with the weekend closest to the actual Durga Puja dates to maximize community participation. SIPA, however, is following the almanac dates, with Saptami (the seventh day) and Ashtami (the eighth day) of this year’s Puja falling on a Saturday and Sunday.
Shirshendu Bhattacharya shared, “SIPA is a very new organization; Durga Puja 2023 would be our second Puja. In our first year of Durga Puja, we were able to welcome people from different parts of the Singapore community — we had a healthy participation from Odisha, North East, and the northern part of India, and also from the Sindhi community.” In its second year, SIPA’s Durga Puja festivities promise an even greater degree of community participation.
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