This Diwali, Spread Happiness and Light up Lives

Diwali is the time to invite the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh. It is an occasion to fill life with riches, celebration, peace, and the utmost happiness. But Diwali is not just about self-fulfillment and self-enjoyment; rather, it’s also about sharing joy with others and the less privileged. Everyone is not fortunate here. There are millions of people out there who are accustomed to managing poverty and hunger. For them, it is a matter of everyday struggle. Getting two square meals is a tough challenge for them, and sometimes it is a question of survival. Can we do something for them? Sure, we can.

Let’s celebrate this Diwali differently and add a spark of happiness in the lives of such people. This Diwali, take a few small steps and become the reason for someone else’s celebration. This is what you can do.

1. Support Small-Time Traders

During the festive season, support small-time traders, vendors, artists, and artisans who open shops around our locality. They sell earthen lamps, ethnic ornaments, candles, and other decorative items. Buy from them and be the reason for their ‘happy Diwali moments’. And try not to bargain with them because every penny they earn, will help them celebrate Diwali with their own family.

2. Share your favorite Sweets with less privileged Children

On Diwali, when you get a box of sweets for yourself, get another one to share with the residents of a nearby orphanage or slum or any charity. You’ll also receive many gifts including sweets and dry fruit boxes from your loved ones on Diwali. Instead of wasting them or overeating why not gift them to the ones who cannot afford to buy sweets for themselves. You cannot imagine the bliss that you would feel by doing this.

3. Charity Begins at Home, Truly

Sometimes we don’t need to go very far from home for doing something divine. Surprise your domestic helpers with a day off and some extra cash so that they can celebrate the festival with their family. When you surprise others with something unexpected, you attract an abundance of eternal happiness.

4. Don’t Forget the People Who Are on Road

Be appreciative of people who make your festivals and life safe and enjoyable. Be it a food delivery guy, a newspaper vendor or grocery wala or your garbage picker– you can gift them a box of sweets or a small tip as a token of deep gratitude. Please do not gift spoiled or old sweets or items. Remember, you receive what you give and as you give.

5. Spend Time at an Old Age Home

Old age is lonely for many elderly people during festivals as they miss their children who may be living far away or have lost a dear one. You are well capable of elevating their mood by visiting them with a small token of love or just lending them a listening ear over tea. Just listening to them makes them happy and you get immense love in return.

6. Be Concerned for Environment

This is everyone’s duty to feel accountable for the environment. Refrain from spending money on fireworks as it is just like lighting your money on fire for momentary happiness. Even if you and the little ones wish to enjoy Diwali with a few fireworks, then choose only green eco-friendly crackers. Use only these crackers while celebrating Diwali and you can gift them to an orphaned child as well to make them enjoy their day.

7. Be Compassionate to Street Dogs & Birds

This is also crucial as any firecracker can affect street dogs, birds, and other animals to a great extent. Careless use of even green firecrackers can seriously injure and, sometimes, kill these animals. This is truly heartbreaking. Play with crackers in a responsible manner so that animals don’t get scared.
Whatever you do on Diwali, just keep this in your mind that your actions do not become the reason of pain for others. Celebrate and help other celebrate safely. May the brightness of Diwali stay with you till the next Diwali.
A Very Happy Diwali to all!
Blessings!