UPAKARMA 2021
Namaskaram.
Upakarma is an important ritual prescribed by our sastras for all brahmins.
This year, with restrictions placed by the Govt due to COVID19, Sabha is taking alternative steps to ensure that all community members are able to participate in the upakarma.
We request you to read the details below and participate in large numbers in the Upakarma, despite the challenging circumstances.
UPAKARMA and GAYATRI JAPAM DATES
Rig Upakarma Saturday, 21 August 2021 - ONLINE VIDEO GUIDE FROM 6 AM ONWARDS
Yajur Upakarma Sunday, 22 August 2021 - ONLINE VIDEO GUIDE WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM 6 AM ONWARDS
IN-PERSON BATCH - 10 AM at PGP HALL, 397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123
(STRICTLY FOR REGISTERED THALAI AVANI AVITTAM VADUS ONLY)
(Anyone arriving without registration will be provided materials after collecting the dakshina and courteously requested to perform upakarma at their homes. This is per the restrictions placed by PGP Hall management)
Gayatri Japam Monday, 23 August 2021 (FOR ALL VEDAS)
6 AM at PGP HALL, 397 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218123
(STRICTLY FOR REGISTERED THALAI AVANI AVITTAM VADUS ONLY)
(Anyone arriving without registration will be courteously requested to perform at the comfort of their homes.
This is per the restrictions placed by the PGP Hall management)
Sama Upakarma Thursday, 9 September 2021 - ONLINE VIDEO GUIDE FROM 6 AM ONWARDS
GENERAL POINTS TO NOTE
1. All Upakarmas - Rig, Yajur and Sama Upakarmas will be conducted online for everyone with one exception.
EXCEPTION: ONLY for those boys who have had their Upanayanam last year and are doing the Upakarma for the first time (Thalai Avani Avittam), Upakarma will be conducted in person. SEE SPECIAL NOTE ON THALAI AVANI AVITTAM BELOW)
3. Upakarma sets will be dispatched by Singpost (Until 10 August) or will be available for collection from specified locations (On and after 11 August)
4. You do not need to be a member of SDBBS to register for Upakarma. However, SDBBS members pay a significantly lower dakshina rate. If you wish to sign up for SDBBS membership, please visit www.sdbbs.org/membership. Register for Upakarma only after your membership is approved in order to obtain membership rates.
ONLINE REGISTRATION PROCESS
Step 1: If you are a SDBBS MEMBER, first login to your SDBBS account at www.sdbbs.org/member/login and access the registration link from the "Member Services Home" Page.If you do not login, you will not receive the member-only rates.
Step 2: Click on this Register for Upakarma link.
Step 3: Provide accurate contact details, so that Upakarma Sets and Online Access Details reach you.
Step 4: Make payment and check your email for acknowledgement email.
DAKSHINA FOR UPAKARMA
1. The dakshina is an expression of gratitude for our purohits who guide us in the performance of our dharma. This year, the dakshina is payable during the registration process itself.
2. The minimum prescribed dakshina rates per individual for Upakarma are $15 (for SDBBS members only), and $30 (for non-SDBBS members). Participants who wish to contribute a higher dakshina to the purohits can do so during the registration process itself.
3. A logistics fee of $2 per upakarma set is additionally charged to address extra costs incurred in obtaining and distributing the upakarma sets to members.
ABOUT UPAKARMA SETS
1. Every Upakarma Set will consist of
- 2 Pavithram (1 for Upakarma, 1 for Gayatri Japam)
- Poonal / Yagjopavitham (1/2/3 based on your selection during registration)
- Small packet of Rice and Sesame
2. One Upakarma set is meant for 1 person for Upakarma and Gayatri Japam
3. You can order upto 5 Upakarma sets in a single registration. If you need more than 5 sets, submit a second registration.
ONLINE ACCESS TO UPAKARMA
1. Sabha Purohits will guide the registered Upakarma participants through an online video guide.
2. Details for the online video guide will be sent by email to registered participants 2 days before the Upakarma.
3. Please add the following email addresses to your “Safe Senders List” to ensure that the email is not sent to spam folders - sdbbs.sg@gmail.com and webmaster@sdbbs.org
THALAI AVANI AVITTAM (FIRST UPAKARMA)
DETAILS
1. Boys who have had their Upanayanam last year and are doing the Upakarma for the first time (Thalai Avani Avittam Vadu) are enjoined by our sastras to perform Naandi Shraddham during Upakarma and Gayatri Homam. Due to this requirement, Upakarma and Gayatri Homam will be conducted in person.
2. ONE person can accompany the vadu and perform their upakarma also in person. Since the Upakarma will be done in person for the Vadu, Upakarma sets will NOT be sent by post.
3. Please bring your smartphone along since the venue PGP Hall has SafeEntry requirements
MATERIALS TO BE BROUGHT BY VADU
Every Thalai Avani Avittam vadu has to bring the following items:
1. Panchapatram (tumbler and spoon)
2. Tambalam (plate)
3. Samith - 1100 nos (This is available from stores in Little India area)
DAKSHINA
Dakshina for SDBBS Members: $100 (inclusive of Upakarma, Naandi Shraddham and Gayatri Homam). SDBBS members must login before registration to obtain their member-only rates.
Dakshina for non-members: $200 (inclusive of Upakarma, Naandi Shraddham and Gayatri Homam)
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Step 1: If you are a SDBBS MEMBER, first login to your SDBBS account at www.sdbbs.org/member/login and access the registration link from the "Member Services Home" Page.If you do not login, you will not receive the member-only rates.
Step 2: Click on the Register for FIRST Upakarma link
Step 3: Make payment and check your email for acknowledgement email.
For further details, you may contact the Sabha Purohits at the below mentioned numbers.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about the process, please call our purohits or email to mc@sdbbs.org
Our Purohits
Sri Sathyanarayana Ghanapatigal 9062-1549
Sri Dinesh Sastrigal 9271-1502
