In 30 years, Diwali celebrations have perhaps grown louder and glitzier in the Capital. But what remains unchanged is the popularity of the week-long Blind Relief Association mela, which, as the name suggests, raises funds for the visually challenged.
Many brave the crowds (and the car parking nightmares) to buy gifts from stalls — rented out by the NGO — selling everything from furniture to cupcakes. But those in the know also buy their annual supply of reasonably priced diyas and candles made by partially or entirely unsighted people.
In a workshop on the premises, where a remunerative candle-making programme is offered by the Association, the months leading up to Diwali are the busiest and the brightest. Often, to keep up with the growing demand every year, retirees and volunteers (some from abroad as well) come by every afternoon to lend a hand and to be a part of the light and laughter.
Blind Relief Association’s mela or Diwali Bazaar is on till October 20 at Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg (near The Oberoi) between 10.30am and 8.00pm.
Photos by Kamal Narang