Deepavali at Sandipani, not just about lighting diyas

For the past three years Pujya Bhaishri has been expressing his immense love for the underprivileged children by inviting them to Shri Hari Mandir and celebrating Diwali with them. Renowned dignitaries of Porbandar town are also invited to participate in this unique celebration.

On 28th Oct. 2008 buses carrying children from various schools in and around Porbandar and Ranavav arrived in the courtyard of Sri Hari Mandir at 5 p. m. The children filed themselves in systematic rows planned for them. The teachers accompanying the children also helped in the arrangements of the function. More than 550 sets of uniforms were neatly kept on a table placed on one side of the stage. On another table lay equal number of sets of books, notebooks, ball-pens, etc.

The programme began with Vedic chants of the rishikumars of Sandipani Vidyaniketan. After a brief but interesting verbal exchange with the children Pujya Bhaishri explained to them the significance of Diwali saying that lighting rows of lamps on Diwali were symbolic of lighting the lamps of love in our hearts.

Thereafter new clothes and other gifts were distributed to the children. The dignitaries present on the occasion joined Pujya Bhaishri in distributing gifts to the children. On completion of the distribution of gifts Pujya Bhaishri led all of them to Shri Hari mandir for the evening aarati.

After the aarati the children were taken to the dining hall where they were served dinner including choicest sweets. Finally began the exciting programme of bursting fire crackers by the assembled children. The adults present joined in this celebration helping the children burst the crackers. Post celebrations children were taken back to their respective homes in the same busses.

All in all it was a beautiful Diwali, when not only diyas were lit, but smiles on children’s faces were lit too.