Diwali 2021, the festival of lights in India, was a dark one for many people all over India and the world. People were reeling under the brutal onslaught of the Coronavirus. Everything felt dull and lifeless.
At Diwali time, Mumbai is usually bustling with activity. In normal times markets are crowded, and sweet shops are brimming over with sweet treats. Every house has lanterns, fairy lights, earthen lamps, and rangoli (auspicious designs made from coloured powder). Garlands of marigolds are strung over entrances. The atmosphere is redolent with gaiety and auspiciousness.
However, things were subdued this time. Lives were limping back to normalcy. We wanted to do something that would smile on faces and bring a little zing back. The managing committee in our housing complex distributes sweets to each flat for Diwali. Normally a member of the housekeeping staff is entrusted with the job. This time we roped in all the little children in our housing society. Accompanied by mommy volunteers, these angels went house to house (160 apartments!!) and shared their exuberant laughter, naughty smiles and boxes of sweets.
Residents opened their doors to see a bunch of sweet faces grinning up at them. Infected by their contagious laughter they heaped love, praise, blessings and chocolates on the little angels. The whole housing society rang with shouts of HAPPY DIWALI! It was a win-win situation.
Takeaway
Only a little thought is required to bring laughter and smiles to faces.
~ Black Lotus User