Feast at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Volunteers shared their loving hearts
Feast at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Volunteers shared their loving hearts
On 31st October 2017, a grand feast for celebrating Nine Emperor Gods Festival was held at Leong Nam Temple in Sengkang West. The big playground in front of the temple was decorated with colours and lanterns. Nearly 100 dinner tables were set up. The Guest of Honour was Dr. Lam Pin Min, Senior Minister of State for the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transport. Mr. Chua Swee Wah, Secretary of Sian Chay was invited to attend the dinner and present the momento to Leong Nam Temple ( on behalf of the Sian Chay Medical Institution) in appreciation for its active contribution to charity. This dinner attracted many worshippers . Some even came with the whole family, showing a warm and loving scene.
Every year, Leong Nam Temple holds the celebration of Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Nine Emperor God is the God of North Star in Taoism and folk legends. According to legend, it is the birthday of Nine Emperor Gods from 1st to 9th day of the ninth lunar month. Meanwhile, Nine Emperor Gods Festival is also the day for vegetarianism once a year. Folk legends believe that continuous worship of the Big Dipper for nine consecutive days will help to eliminate misfortunes and prolong life, and gain fortune and good luck.
During the feast, 12 volunteers from Sian Chay walked around the dinner tables with donation boxes. The attendees actively donated with various amount, $2, $5, $10 or $50. Numerous hands extended to the donation boxes. They’re not just donations, but more of loving hearts and appreciation and support to Sian Chay. “ Trust, Action, Attitude, Conduct”, form the integrity and virtues of charity. Realizing one’s responsibilities from others’ difficulties and the courage to bear with it is a kind of compassion, cultivation of personality and brightness. We received two donations of $1,000 each that night. Leong Nam Temple also donated $2,000 to Sian Chay, bring the total funds raised to $7,000.
Philanthropy is a great cause that keeps one’s fragrance by giving out roses. Our special thanks to the continuous support from worshippers and public. Together we uphold the belief that “Nation Progresses, Family Prospers; Family Harmony, Successful Endeavours. Forward with the Nation, Bonding with the People.” We can help people from poverty, plant seeds of benevolence and harvest fruits of benevolence, fulfill happy lives and create a harmonious and beautiful society.