Diwali is the main festival of Indians. Though it is celebrated by Hindus, one can witness religious harmony in the celebration of Diwali. People of all religions in India celebrate Diwali with equal fervor and joy. Diwali is not just a time to spread lights, it can also be a time to spread smiles to the poor. While the rich and people who can afford crackers, new clothes, sweets, and fun of the festival happily celebrate it, the poor and the orphans feel loneliness. By offering a helping hand to them in whatever we can, we can celebrate Diwali with the poor in many ways.

If you are keen on celebrating Diwali with the poor, here are some ways you can extend your help in bringing cheer on to the needy people.

Sponsor the education of poor people with the amount that you would spend on crackers and new clothes. We all know education can bring light to life. So, on this festival of lights, add a glow that lasts forever in a poor child’s life by sponsoring their education.

Support orphans and abandoned elders. Nothing can be more painful than having no one to take care of us in times of need. The world is large, but for orphans and abandoned elderly, it looks gloomy. Try adopting an orphan kid. You can also sponsor for their expenses and education and take care of them till they stand on their legs. Similarly, adopt an elderly couple abandoned by their children. Take care of their medicines and sponsors for their shelter and necessities.

Adopt an area. If you cannot spend money, spare time, and energy. Adopt an area where poor people live. Invite your friends, apartment-mates, and other social work enthusiasts and altogether clean surroundings where poor people live. You can talk with municipal authorities and encourage them to clean the area and spray disinfectants. Spend time with the local people and educate them about various ways how they can live healthily by keeping their surroundings clean. In the evening, light the lamps in the area, firecrackers, and see the glow in the poor people's faces.

Spread awareness among poor people. Poor in India are in many sections. Construction workers, handloom weavers, maids, daily laborers, etc. Most of them do not know much about how to design their life securely. You can teach them about ways in which they can build their skills. Talk about various employment opportunities that come along with vocational training and certifications. Spend the two days of Diwali or the whole week educating them on how to build a secure life that comes with skill upgrading.

Show them a way of earning. The world today is more inclined to go green. Handmade items, utilities made of eco-friendly items, etc. Train poor women and girls in such skills. Show them a way of earning their livelihood with the skill in their hands. It can be tailoring, embroidery, making handmade items such as from jute, cloth, or shells. Anything that can earn them a decent life will help make a difference in their lives.

Meet the needs of patients at government hospitals. You can see many people lying alone in government hospitals. There will also be many people waiting outside in the hospital premises for their family. You can support them in many ways. Supply food, arrange for medicines, sponsor for treatments, show them a place to sleep at night and inform them about local organizations that will provide the required facilities, etc.

Diwali is a fabulous time to help poor people. Your help need not be very big but even a small help to one person or a poor family can make a lot of difference. Happy Diwali and Happy Helping the Poor!