Anandha Deepavali
Since 1998
Deepavali is a time for celebration. Yet, deprived and disadvantaged children do not have the opportunity to experience the joy of the festival. Our Anandha Deepavali gives these children a chance to celebrate the occasion and cherish the memories.
A grand celebration
Every year, on or before Deepavali, we gather disadvantaged children from different homes, orphanages, and institutions in Chennai and bring them together for a day of fun and games.
These children, such as child rag pickers, children from orphanages, visually impaired children, and children with physical or mental disabilities each have a chance to:
- Enjoy a grand feast
- Take part in contests, sing, and dance
- Meet celebrities
- Burst crackers, and even
- Get a new Deepavali dress
On average, 1200 to 2000 children celebrate Deepavali with us every year.
A fine example of teamwork
One of the most heartening features of Anandha Deepavali is how more than 200 volunteers come together to organize the event. It represents the teamwork that makes Udhavum Ullangal possible.
A lot of work is involved - such as booking a hall, sorting out catering and transportation, planning the games, and stitching dresses. In fact, for many weekends before the celebration, core-group volunteers visit the children, taking each child’s measurements and asking them what colour dress they would like.
The fact that so many people are able to work as one shows the firmness of our belief that the children deserve a day of joy.
An opportunity to raise funds
Anandha Deepavaliis also a chance to raise funds that help us with our other community work. Contributions for the event total approximately Rs. 10 lakh every year, of which Rs. 8 lakh is usually left over for other welfare and development work.
Anticipating a wonderful celebration in 2010
Year after year our Anandha Deepavali attracts more supporters, volunteers, and participants. This year – the 12th year of its celebration - we plan to hold the festivities on October 24th for 1313 children at Sri Krishnaswamy Kalyana Mandapam, T-Nagar.