Project Petalists
Transforming Temple Flowers into Eco-Friendly Holi Colours
For over three months, since November, the Swayam Siddha Society has been deeply engaged in an innovative and environmentally conscious initiative—Project Petalists Holi Colours. This unique project repurposes discarded temple flowers, transforming them into 100% natural and safe Holi colours while simultaneously creating meaningful livelihood opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The Process: From Temple Offerings to Vibrant Colours
The journey of these colours begins with the collection of used flowers from various temples. Initially, attempts were made to source discarded flowers from large markets such as Meenatai Thackeray Flower Market (Parel) and Vashi Flower Market for the Chembur and Rabale centers. However, due to limited cooperation from vendors, the team shifted focus to neighborhood temples and halls in Chembur and Navi Mumbai. Gradually, they established a steady supply chain with:
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Govardhan Haveli, Sector 29, Vashi
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Vitthal Mandir, Koperkhairane
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Gujarat Bhavan
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Jain Mandir, Chembur
A major milestone in the project was securing collaboration with Mumbai’s iconic Mahalakshmi Mandir, which now provides used flowers weekly, thanks to sustained efforts by the leadership team.
Once collected, the flowers undergo de-petalling and drying—a critical process as moisture can cause fungal growth, rendering the petals unusable. Sun-drying requires large open spaces, and meticulous sorting ensures that petals of different flowers remain separate for colour purity. The dried petals are then powdered using a pulverizer machine, similar to an ‘atta chakki.’ This finely ground powder is sieved for a smooth texture. To achieve the final product, a measured quantity of edible maize flour and natural food colours is blended in, creating rich, non-toxic Holi colours in five stunning shades:
Yellow – Derived from Yellow Marigolds
Orange – Extracted from Orange Marigolds
Pink – Made from Dried Roses
Blue & Green – Obtained from White Chrysanthemums
Finally, the colours are weighed and packaged in 100g, 300g, 500g and 1kg variants.
Challenges and Triumphs
While the process may sound seamless, the team faced significant hurdles. Although temple managements were eager to donate used flowers, the housekeeping staff often found it tedious to collect and hand them over. To encourage cooperation, small incentives were provided. Additionally, ensuring timely transportation of fresh flowers to the center before they spoiled required careful logistics planning and additional costs. Despite these challenges, Project Petalists stands as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and innovation.
Why Choose Petalists Holi Colours?
When you purchase Petalists Holi Colours, you’re not just buying eco-friendly, non-toxic Holi colours—you’re supporting a greater cause:
🌿 Preventing temple flowers from being dumped into landfills or water bodies
🌿 Reducing water wastage caused by toxic synthetic colours
🌿 Receiving colours infused with the sacred essence of temple prasad
🌿 Empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through meaningful livelihood opportunities
With just one purchase, you contribute to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and inclusive employment. Doing a good deed has never been easier!
Acknowledging Our Supporters: Craftizen Foundation
This initiative was made possible through the mentorship and training provided by Craftizen Foundation, an organization dedicated to craft-based livelihood programs for underprivileged women, adults with intellectual disabilities, and traditional artisans. Their guidance equipped the Swayam Siddha team with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake this project successfully.
Also supporting this endeavour are the interning students of Atlas SkillTech University, Kurla who are helping Swayam Siddha in designing promotions as well as in marketing and sales of Petalists Holi Colours.
A Festival of Colours with a Deeper Meaning
As Holi approaches, let’s make our celebrations more meaningful, more sustainable, and more inclusive. With Petalists Holi Colours, every splash of colour tells a story of empowerment, environmental consciousness, and social impact.
Get in touch with us on +91 8976067204 to purchase our natural holi colours!
Solar Panel Installation at our Rabale Centre by Rotary Club Hillside & Link Town, Airoli
It gives us immense joy to inform that Rotary Club Hillside, Navi Mumbai and Rotary Club of Link Town, Airoli have jointly sponsored the installation of solar panels at Swayam Siddha under the District Grant of Rotary Club. The inauguration of this installation was held on 14th July 2024, with the esteemed Rtn Milind Kulkarni ji, District Governor (2023-24) of District 3142, as the chief guest. Many honorable Rotarians also attended the function today that depicted their commitment to the cause. Hon. Chairman of Swayam Siddha, Mr. Junagare ji & Hon. Secretary, Mr. Bharat Rane ji welcomed all the guests, explained about the society’s work and expressed their gratitude for the installation. The event today was a grand success as we were able to showcase our members' work and our day to day happenings at our centres to all the visiting Rotarians. The guests were all highly touched by our cause and efforts and have promised to support us in the future as well.;
This prestigious solar panel project, completed in a record three months, includes solar panels connected to the MSEB grid, enabling net metering. This installation is a significant milestone for Swayam Siddha, as it will help reduce electricity bills and ensure uninterrupted power supply, overcoming regular power cuts. Swayam Siddha is deeply grateful to the Rotary Clubs for supporting the generation and utilization of green power. This initiative not only promotes energy efficiency but also reinforces our commitment to sustainable practices. The installation of solar panels will enable our center to operate smoothly and cost-effectively, providing a better environment for our members. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Rotary Club Hillside, Navi Mumbai, and Rotary Club of Link Town, Airoli, for their generous support and contribution to our mission of empowering the differently-abled.
Swayam Siddha bags Gaganala Pankh Nave Award - 2024
It is with immense pride that we announce that we were awarded the 'Gaganala Pankh Nave Award - 2023' by Miti Entertainment along with two other organistions for doing exceptional work for the benefit of Divyangjan. This is the Eighth edition of these Awards.
We are thrilled to share that Swayam Siddha Society for Handicapped is honored with the prestigious Gaganala Pankh Nave Award - 2023 (Marathi for 'New wings in the sky') by Miti Entertainment along with two other organisations doing exceptional work for the benefit of Divyangjan. This is the Eighth edition of these Awards.
Out of numerous exceptional institutions, we are proud to be one of the three recipients of this esteemed award in 2023. The recognition comes with not just applause but also a grant of Rs. 50,000/-, a significant boost that will fuel our ongoing initiatives and empower us to embark on new projects. 🚀
Our happiness knows no bounds as we bid farewell to 2023 on this incredible high note. This award is not just a celebration of our past efforts but a beacon, guiding us towards even greater heights. 🌈
Heartfelt gratitude goes to Uttara Mone ji of Miti Entertainment, whose discerning eye and dedication shortlisted our organization among many others in this thematic area. This acknowledgment inspires us to continue our mission with renewed vigor and responsibility, striving to create a lasting impact on society.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Here's to soaring higher, together! 🙌❤️
Chief Guest and famous actress Ms. Mrunal Kulkarni ji and Shri Uttara Mone ji at our stall with our products during the award function
Vishal Bags Best Divyang Artisan Award
Our member Vishal Khandare bagged the Best Divyang Artisan Award at the Divya Kala Mela at Indore in June 2023, organized by National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation, a Government Body for challenged citizens.
This award is a stamp of great work done by Vishal & Swayam Siddha and is a mark of its recognition.
We thank the Govt of India for providing the Divyangjans of India a platform to showcase their talent and benefit economically from the same.
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Our Initiatives
Providing gainful employment, food & nourishment, community & belonging in a safe & fun workspace.
Providing disability support & skill development.
Our Mission
To empower the disabled of the lower economic strata through gainful employment and make them a valuable resource to the society and give them a life of respect & dignity.
Awards & Recognition
Our Founder Chairperson, Ms. Kalpana Joshi won the President's National Award, 2002 for Outstanding Performance as Employer of Persons with Disabilities.
Mr. Deepak Vidhya was awarded Best Employee in the Mentally Retarded category by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in the year 2001.
Our Partners
