Swami Vivekananda said, “The poor are God's representatives; anyone who suffers is His representative.” Asharamji Bapu (Asaram Bapu) explains, "Every individual has God within. Thus, serving the weaker sections, which we consider 'Daridra Narayan,' is akin to serving Narayan himself." He further adds, “We do not do them a favor by giving them goods; instead, they favor us by giving us the opportunity to serve them.” This broad vision and teaching inspire thousands to participate in the great charity event. His guiding philosophy, "Sabka Mangal, Sabka Bhala" (well-being and happiness for all), shines through this initiative, which has positively impacted countless lives over the years.
How Diwali Bhandaras are organised by Asaram Bapu Ashrams and Samitis
In contrast to the prevalent trend of celebrating Diwali with lavish spending on expensive clothing, fireworks, and decorative items, Asharamji Bapu’s hundreds of ashrams and 1400 samitis prioritise spending on the happiness and welfare of the underprivileged. This effort aims to offer them an authentic Diwali experience. Across the country, Asharamji Bapu’s Ashram and its network of dedicated volunteers have organised Diwali Bhandaras to serve the poor and needy. They also go deep inside the forests in search of needy people. These Bhandaras distributed essential items such as groceries (grains, pulses, and oil), sweets and nuts (dates), household essentials (clothes, slippers, shoes for children, blanket), and utensils. Additionally, spiritual and moral literature is provided to enhance participants' spiritual well-being and safeguard them from negative influences. These bhandara events start around 10 days before Diwali and continue for about a month.
This Diwali Bhandara begins a full-year schedule of various other charity initiatives that are carried out by the organization, including monthly ration supplies, blanket distributions, free education for disadvantaged children, notebook distributions, regular prasad vitran and more. These efforts demonstrate the organization’s commitment to uplifting society through selfless service.
Testimonies of Diwali Bhandara
Volunteers from the Mumbai organized a Diwali Bhandara in Jhodpalli, Palghar, and Mumbai. When asked about their experience, they shared: “We participate in this event every year, and the satisfaction and inner peace we receive are immeasurable. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces after receiving these gifts brings contentment beyond any material pleasure.”
Similarly, Dr. Bikas from Hyderabad stated, “Diwali is the festival of prosperity. We generally associate it with food, clothes and buying new things. But as humans we have limitations to enjoy prosperity. These bhandaras give us an opportunity to make this unlimited. We buy Quintals of Sweets, thousands of clothes and new things and try to enjoy them while seeing others enjoy them. This is the art of getting eternal happiness from materialistic things as our Guruji Bapuji has taught us.”
Conclusion:
This unique way of melting down ego and brushing off greed not only fosters individual mental health but brings social harmony and bridges the gap between rich and poor. This model, if followed on a larger scale, can bring a better future for our country.
For a glimpse of the recent Diwali Bhandaras held nationwide, please visit the link below for shared images capturing the spirit of these events.
https://ashram.org/diwali-bhandara-seva
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