The Women’s Empowerment Project in Varanasi is built on 2 foundational stones – the empowerment center and a short term safe shelter for women and their children with no safe accommodation options available. The empowerment center is firmly established as the first base, and on Monday 15th December, the second foundation stone was set in place.
On this day a puja (ritual) and yagya (fire ceremony) were held in the premises newly secured for the safe shelter. It is traditional in Indian culture to establish auspicious energies in a house before moving anything in, and with this purpose and Sai Maa’s blessing four pundits removed energetic obstacles, bringing happiness and the support of the divine mother into this safe haven for women.
On this day a puja (ritual) and yagya (fire ceremony) were held in the premises newly secured for the safe shelter. It is traditional in Indian culture to establish auspicious energies in a house before moving anything in, and with this purpose and Sai Maa’s blessing four pundits removed energetic obstacles, bringing happiness and the support of the divine mother into this safe haven for women.
On the Saturday prior, the premises were thoroughly cleaned and prepared for the sacred event. On the day, the pundits prepared a small fire pit on the balcony and puja tables in the center of the living space. The following 3 hours were filled with powerful and often melodious chanting, beautiful altars, abundant fruits, sweets, rose petals and a magnificent fire fuelled by sacred tulsi wood and cooked rice. The ceremonies concluded with the center staff joining the pundits in chanting of bhajans (devotional songs). Supported by the Shakti of Sai Maa, the puja was a huge success that left the pundits beaming with smiles full of joy.
Our safe shelter is a small private space to maintain the security and safety of any women requiring this service. Up to six women can comfortably be catered for at one time along with their children. Staff will be available 24 hours a day and we are applying to become a government registered women’s shelter facility. The shelter is located within easy walking distance of the Empowerment Center, allowing the counselors to easily serve both premises. Counseling, group participation in household activities and service opportunities will be a compulsory part of the shelter arrangements, building self-esteem and educating the women for their future.
The current plan is to have the shelter open by the beginning of January 2015.
Our safe shelter is a small private space to maintain the security and safety of any women requiring this service. Up to six women can comfortably be catered for at one time along with their children. Staff will be available 24 hours a day and we are applying to become a government registered women’s shelter facility. The shelter is located within easy walking distance of the Empowerment Center, allowing the counselors to easily serve both premises. Counseling, group participation in household activities and service opportunities will be a compulsory part of the shelter arrangements, building self-esteem and educating the women for their future.
The current plan is to have the shelter open by the beginning of January 2015.
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