SHILLONG, Nov 14: Shillong, on Saturday, was in high spirits despite preventions and repeated appeals of the government to tone down Diwali celebrations this year in view of COVID-19.
Sounds of firecrackers bursting high in the sky and from every nook and corner of the city was heard starting dusk, with no heed being paid to the government orders. Apparently, festivities do overwhelm people.
From kids to elderly all were seen immersed in the spirit of Diwali, a comparatively sober one this year, all thanks to COVID-19, as different households began puja rituals paying obeisance to Goddesses Kali and Lakshmi.
Another day of celebrations awaits Shillongites and what’s in store, only time will tell.
BSF simplicity
Meanwhile, at the BSF Frontier HQ in Umplingon, members of Marwadi Sammelan Mahila Sammiti, Shillong, visited the base to appreciate the efforts of the jawans. Earlier this year, the sammiti members could not visit the campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic on Raksha Bandhan.
The BSF, in a statement on Saturday, assured the residents of Meghalaya that the border area is safe in their hands. BSF troops celebrated the festival inside the campus and along the border.
Many smiled
In an “evening-of-its-kind” at SPARK Rangmen-Children Home, a team from makeSomeoneSMILE, Shillong, a social organisation, celebrated Diwali with the children who were ready with some rangoli art just when they visited.
The team stayed and continued the moments of talk, knowing, handovering of sweets, candles, but, according to them, what was more was massive fun, excitement, dance sessions, loud singing, lot of child-acts, diya-lighting, and of course soft crackers.
SPARK’s special programme
On the occasion, SPARK organised a special programme for the children to brighten their lives and enable them to experience a moment of enjoyment as they hardly get such a chance since they are occupied with work to support their families.
It wished that this Diwali brings goodness and positivity in their lives.
On the other hand, the NGO also celebrated the Children’s Day on the day, with children being sensitised about child rights with the objective to build up their capacity to protect themselves from any kind of abuse.
SPARK distributed soap and mask to all the children, which were provided by the Indian Red Cross Society.
During the celebration, lamps were lit by the children, who even recited a prayer seeking God’s blessings and support.
The children were also explained the essence of protecting the environment and thus, motivating them to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly manner.
The children also made colourful rangoli art. Altogether, more than 200 children participated in the programme at Bara Bazaar Slum and Rangmen centres of SPARK.
In a statement issued here, SPARK has appealed to all to support the organisation in organising such special programmes for the children.
