Ahead of Diwali, visually impaired children in Varanasi and Guwahati have learnt the craft of making lamps and candles to showcase their capabilities and achievements in order to bring cheer to their dark world. With their new-found craft, the children aim at empowerment hope to share the spirit of Diwali with everyone.
"The god has not blessed us with power to see, we are visually impaired but we know that when we light earthen lamps and candles, it spreads light and dispel darkness. So we make candles every year. We have been taught that by making candles we can brighten others' lives and get rid of the darkness within," said Ruchi Dubey, a visually impaired girl from Varanasi. Ruchi's school, a special needs institution, began preparations for Diwali a month ago.
In Guwahati, disabled children, as part of a non-governmental organisation (NGO), also made earthen lamps decorated with glitter and painted in fabric colours.
"We sell the earthen lamps made by these children in schools and many people from outside also buy them. This way these children are motivated to be self-dependent, they learn the concept of various colours and their hand coordination is improved. In future, it will also help them earn livelihood," said Gayatridevi Adhikari, a teacher in the organisation.
Diwali is celebrated with great fervour and gaiety all over the country as it marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh after he defeated Ravana, the powerful demon king of Lanka.
Legend says millions of lamps were lit when Lord Rama returned after 14 years of exile in forests and after defeating Ravana.
Diwali is also celebrated in honour of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that Lakshmi showers her blessings upon those homes that are clean and well lit.