Join Us to Brighten Diwali for Families in Need

Posted On: 2024-10-30 15:24:50

In the Hindu epic, Ramayana, Diwali is the celebration of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king, Ravana. The name Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means "row of lights", which we see today in the forms of diyas and firecrackers.

This Diwali, Filaantro’s crowdfunding partner, Child Help Foundation’s (CHF) volunteers distributed gifts, snacks and sweets to children. CHF also hosted a fundraiser for children in Diwali to make their day special.

Yet this is not limited to one group, as for many, celebrating Diwali is still a dream. They are all around us in the form of maids, security guards, shopkeepers, policemen, doctors, students studying far from their homes, etc. Some cannot afford to celebrate Diwali and some choose to sacrifice it for their work.

Filaantro invites you to make this Diwali special for these people. Those who choose to do their duties and spend their Diwali by sending text messages to their loved ones, those who work hard so the future of their children can be secured or those who leave their families in search of better opportunities.

This Diwali is also a chance to make the unwelcomed feel welcome. Northeastern Indians have always been excluded from assimilating into society. Similarly, we have our LGBTQ friends who don’t feel safe in their own households. It is high time we open our doors to them and celebrate Diwali with them.

To truly honour the spirit of Diwali, it is essential to remember that this festival represents the triumph of light over darkness, of inclusion over separation, and of kindness over indifference. As we celebrate with beautiful rangolis, radiant diyas, and delicious feasts, let us also extend a hand to those who may otherwise feel forgotten. Small gestures like sharing a meal, inviting neighbours, or gifting a token of appreciation to those who serve our communities can make a profound difference.

Whether it’s lighting diyas with your local shopkeeper, sharing sweets with a security guard, or sitting down to talk with someone who may feel out of place, this Diwali can be a celebration that truly embodies the spirit of inclusion.

Let’s commit to making this festival a memory of unity—a light that shines far beyond the decorations and firecrackers, warming the hearts of everyone, near and far. Filaantro invites you to take this step with us, for a Diwali that brings joy to all.

Remember to share this blog with all your friends and may Diwali bring you the utmost happiness this year. 

AUTHOR: Adil Sayyad