Diwali is a time when India buzzes with festive fervour. Known as the festival of lights, streets and rooftops will be adorned with lights and lively decorations. Beyond the celebration, this festival reminds us to live good and stay positive and hopeful, for ultimately goodness wins.
What is Diwali?
Diwali or Deepavali,
means ‘a row of lights.’ It comes from two Sanskrit words: Deepa means lamp (earthen diya)
and Avali means a row, line or
continuous series. The festival is associated with different regional
traditions and religious beliefs.
Brightest light this Diwali. Your goodness that nourishes childhood
Significance of Diwali: Stories and Traditions
There are many
beliefs behind Diwali. For some, Diwali is the homecoming of Lord Rama. After
14 years of exile, when he returned to Ayodhya with his wife, Sita and his
brother, Lakshmana, it was Amavasya (New Moon night). The entire kingdom was
pitch black. The citizens of Ayodhya lit rows of diyas to show their king the way
back home and welcome him with joy.
Another story is
about Lord Krishna, who defeated the demon Narakasura and freed 16,000 women of
his kingdom. This day is called Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Choti Diwali,
which falls on the day before main Diwali.
Goddess Lakshmi,
the deity of wealth and prosperity, is believed to visit homes on this
auspicious night. People clean their houses, light diyas and offer flowers,
sweets and other traditional offerings to honour the goddess and seek her
blessings. Purchasing gold is another popular tradition during Diwali,
particularly on Dhanteras, as it is believed to bring more prosperity and good
fortune.
The Deeper Message of Diwali
Apart from the
traditions and rituals, Diwali carries a message of spiritual awakening. While
lighting numerous diyas, the festival reminds us to light the lamp within. Stay
grateful for every blessing you have and spread kindness to everyone. During
this festive season, people share sweets and food with others as a way of ensuring
no one is left out of the celebrations.
This Diwali 2026, let’s
share the joy of warm, nutritious meals with schoolchildren.
Why Support Schoolchildren with Meals on Diwali 2026?
As your home glows
with countless diyas, imagine your kindness lighting up a child’s academic
year. That’s what your contribution of ₹1,500 to The Akshaya Patra Foundation
can make possible.
With ₹1,500, you can ensure mid-day meals for a child for 232 school days.
Is that a big
deal?
Yes, it is.
Your support can
be the reason a child decides to continue schooling, hoping for meals. Children
from challenging socio-economic backgrounds often face barriers to going to
school. The Government of India implements PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Programme)
to bring children to school with the assurance of daily meals. The programme
has shown proven improvement in:
- Enrolment
- Attendance
- Retention
- Academic Performance
- Health and physical growth
· As an implementing partner, The Akshaya Patra Foundation serves mid-day meals to 2.35 million children every day. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has envisioned a day where every child has access to nutritious meals. Its commitment to transparency and accountability has earned it several recognitions, including the ICAI Gold Shield Award for seven consecutive years and the induction as the only NGO in the ICAI Hall of Fame. Its contributions have also received international recognition, including the BBC Global Food Champion Award 2019 and Nikkei Asia Prize in the ‘Economic and Business Innovation’ category. With its extensive reach, commitment to quality and recognised work, Akshaya Patra has established itself as a leading NGO in India.
Celebrate Diwali 2026 by Giving Back
Let your Diwali
goodness reach a child’s school day. When you choose to feed them, you nurture
not only their today but also tomorrow. Help make nutritious meals possible
every school day. Donate to Akshaya Patra.
Brighten up a child’s smile. Together, let’s ensure
every child is nourished and ready to learn.
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