We celebrated Diwali on November 4, 2021. An important holiday that celebrates the return of the god Rama to the city of Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. Diwali originates from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means rows of lights. Earthen candles are lit and it is customary to visit friends and family and enjoy delicious sweets & snacks. Also, there's a religious ceremony held, and the whole city is lit up at night with lights & fireworks.
Diwali can be seen like Christmas in the west. People get their bonus before this big celebration and that means buying lots of new things for home and gifts for friends and family. However, Amit's family does things a bit differently.
Usually gifts given to family and friends include (unhealthy) snacks like sweets, and salty items. Over the last years, the family of Amit have tried to give away things that would be useful to the poor. Last year for example, they gave out blankets to prepare the poor for the harsh Delhi winters. This time, we gave away apples and oranges. These are quite expensive fruits especially for the poor & they hardly ever eat them. We thought that some extra vitamins would always be nice, especially for the street children, who suffer from malnourishment. Therefore, we bought 20 kgs of Apples and Oranges (around 30 euros) and distributed them among the poor on the street. The street vendor from whom we bought the fruits was also happy due to a big sale. We used our Jiven project fund for this.
Moreover, we also had small chats when possible to explain the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. Many times the poor beg for money, and often buy directly unhealthy snacks or food from it which tastes good, as they lack knowledge about nutrition due to poverty, and go for the easiest, quick snacks instead.
Later in the evening, we visited the lady who comes to our apartment building to earn a living by massaging women. She also gives a foot massage to Amit's mother quite often. We prepared a special gift box for her, along with fruits and some money to thank her on this festive day. We spent some time with her and she showed us her small home, where she lives with her children and husband. There was something special awaiting us that evening. The massage lady's daughter rescued a kitten whose mother died in a car accident. They decided to take her in and care for this cute little kitten. We got to say hello to this beauty and Daniëlle liked to cuddle with it.
Diwali signifies lighting up spirits during period of darkness and brings happiness and hope in people's lives. We celebrated this Diwali by thanking people around us who help us with little things, like the cleaners, watchmen, massage lady etc. We had a nice time chatting and spending time with family, friends and people who help with out with all kind of chores in the house.
We wish you all a very happy, prosperous and healthy Diwali and are already looking forward to the next festive celebrations!