Vrindavan: In a significant departure from age-old customs, widows residing in Vrindavan rejoiced in the celebration of Diwali along the banks of the Yamuna River on this Diwali.

Traditionally considered ‘inauspicious’, widows in India have long been excluded from participating in auspicious festivities, constrained by deep-rooted Hindu social norms.

Read in Hindi: परंपराओं को तोड़ते हुए इस बार विधवाओं ने मनाई दिवाली

On this occasion, widow mothers from various shelter homes gathered at the historic KC Ghat to light vibrant diyas and partake in the Diwali festivities. The ghat was adorned with beautiful rangoli designs and illuminated by hundreds of earthen lamps. The women also chanted Krishna bhajans and danced in celebration.

Historically, Hindu tradition prohibited these widows from engaging in such rituals. To combat the societal stigma surrounding widowhood, noted social reformer the late Dr Bindeshwar Pathak initiated a series of measures over a decade ago, including organizing Hindu celebrations like Diwali and Holi in Vrindavan. Sulabh has since held this special Diwali event each year.

Thousands of widows, mostly from West Bengal, have lived in Vrindavan for decades and they were not allowed to take part in rituals, till social organisation Sulabh extended them a helping hand added Vinita Verma, Vice President of Hope Foundation.

One of the widows Chabi Dasi says, "Motivated by the series of revolutionary initiatives widows are now happy and enjoying stay in Vrindavan."

Sulabh has been playing a leading role in adding mirth to the lives of the widows by organising other functions from time to time.

On a routine basis, Sulabh provides them with medical facilities and vocational training besides meeting their day-to-day needs so that they do not feel left out during the twilight years of their lives.