My Prayers and Practices

The birth of a newborn is often greeted with joy and gratitude from families and friends. In the first days, weeks and months after the child’s arrival, many parents turn to age-old customs and traditions to welcome their newborn, seek divine protection and symbolically introduce their child to their wider community. While each religion holds different beliefs about birth, all recognise it as more than a biological event – it is a spiritual milestone that brings families and friends together in a shared, jubilant celebration.

Date

My Prayers and Practices

Baháʼí Perspective on Birth with Baháʼí Centre

Free

This session offers participants a rare insight into how Baháʼí families celebrate a child’s arrival through prayers, naming and community gatherings.

My Prayers and Practices

Catholic Infant Baptism with Friar Michael D’Cruz and Friar Robin Toha from Church of St Mary of the Angels

$12.50

For the very first time, Friar Michael D’Cruz and Friar Robin Toha will guide us through a “live” infant baptism where we will observe how the child is welcomed into the Christian faith through the blessing of holy water, anointment and prayers.

My Prayers and Practices

Hindu Namakarana and Mudi Irakkuthal (Naming and Shaving of Hair) with Sengkuttuvan Kanniyappan from Sri Mariamman Temple

$12.50

Meet Sri Peryuichi Amman, the protective goddess at Sri Mariamman Temple who fierce guards mothers and newborns and learn more about Hindu birth rituals namakarana and mudi irakkuthal.

My Prayers and Practices

Jainism Birth Rituals Ghukti and Namkaran with Rajesh Shah from Singapore Jain Religious Society

Free

Ever wondered how Jain babies get their first taste of the world—literally? Join Rajesh Shah as he introduces Ghuti, where the newborn is given a tiny drop of sacred water or honey, followed by Namkaran, the all-important naming ceremony. Sweet beginnings and meaningful names await!

My Prayers and Practices

Jewish Brit Milah (Circumcision) with Rabbi Nissim Zawady from Chesed-El Synagogue

$12.50

This tour offers participants a rare glimpse into the Oxley Rise synagogue – a stunning national monument which is usually closed off to the public.

My Prayers and Practices

Navjote (Initiation) in Zoroastrianism with Hormuz Avari and Monira Bhada at Zoroastrian House

$12.50

Join Hormuz Avari from the Zoroastrian House for an introduction to the Navjote ceremony, where Zoroastrian children aged 7 to 15 formally enter the faith. Learn about the significance of the Sudreh (sacred shirt), Kusti (ritual cord), and the prayers and blessings that symbolise purity, commitment, and spiritual discipline.

My Prayers and Practices

Orthodoxy Christian Birth Rituals with Bishop Pitirim Dodenko and Priest Philip Calington from Russian Orthodox Church

$12.50

A nondescript bungalow in Kovan houses the Russian Orthodox Church. Meet this little-known Christian community in Singapore and learn more about their birth prayers and practices.

My Prayers and Practices

Rebirth and Reincarnation in Tibetan Buddhism with Venerable Ani Chodron from Thekchen Choling

$12.50

This programme explores the cycle of Samsara, the interconnectedness of all living beings, and how these beliefs shape both human and animal rebirths. Participants will also learn about the temple’s popular pet blessing ceremonies, a compassionate practice inspired by the belief that animals, too, journey through countless lifetimes on the path towards enlightenment.

My Prayers and Practices

Rebirth in Buddhism with Venerable Shi You Wei and Mr Teo Puay Kim at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

$12.50

In Mahayana Buddhism, rebirth is marked through merit-making, chanting and dedication of good deeds to help to the deceased attain a favourable next life. Join Venerable Shi You Wei and Teo Puay Kim at Bright Hill Temple, where we will learn about 49-day memorial practices and sutra recitations – the different ways to guide our loved ones towards their next journey.

My Prayers and Practices

Naam Karan (Baby Naming Ceremony) in Sikhism with Hardip Kaur from Central Sikh Temple

Free

Do you know why Sikh women carry the name ‘Kaur’ and men ‘Singh’? Meet Hardip Kaur at Central Sikh Temple and discover how a hymn from the Guru Granth Sahib decides the first names at the Naam Karan ceremony.

My Prayers and Practices

Sunat Lelaki (Male Circumcision) with Ustaz Ahmad Faritz from Al-Falah Mosque and Dr Taufiq Rashid from TAF Clinic

$12.50

Is male circumcision painful? Why is it important? Ustaz Ahmad Faritz and Dr Taufiq Rashid from Masjid Al-Falah will answer these questions as they introduce sunat lelaki or the Muslim practice of male circumcision. Learn about its religious significance, health benefits, and how it is traditionally performed for young Muslim boys.

My Prayers and Practices

Taoist Fertility Deity with Master Huang Xincheng and Dr Ji Ling from Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple

$12.50

Meet Yue Lao, the original matchmaker tying red threads of fate and Zhu Sheng Niang Niang, the go-to goddess for baby plans at the sprawling Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple – because love, marriage and diapers often go hand-in-hand!

My Prayers and Practices

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