In a heartening initiative, Dharavi Social Mission, under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), has facilitated the sale of one million handcrafted diyas from Dharavi's Kumbharwada for this Diwali. The diyas will be used by Mumbai International Airport and the Adani Foundation in their festive season programmes, benefiting around 500 artisans and allied people. This initiative not only supports the local community and their traditions, but also showcases the love, skill and spirit behind each diya.
Dharavi's Diwali Delight: Handcrafted Diyas Light Up the Festivities
In a heartwarming gesture, Dharavi Social Mission has facilitated the sale of one million handcrafted diyas from Dharavi's Kumbharwada for this Diwali. These diyas will be used by Mumbai International Airport and the Adani Foundation in their festive season programs, providing a much-needed boost to around 500 artisans and allied workers.
Background
Dharavi, often referred to as Asia's largest slum, is home to over one million people. The Kumbharwada neighborhood within Dharavi is renowned for its skilled potters who have been crafting traditional diyas for generations. However, in recent years, the demand for handcrafted diyas has declined due to the advent of cheaper, mass-produced alternatives.
The Dharavi Diya Initiative
Recognizing the need to support and preserve the traditional art form, Dharavi Social Mission, a non-profit organization working in the heart of Dharavi, launched an initiative to promote the sale of handcrafted diyas. The mission partnered with DRPPL, a subsidiary of the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), to facilitate the bulk sale of diyas to major organizations.
Benefits to the Artisans
The sale of one million diyas has provided a significant boost to the income of Dharavi's artisans. It has also helped to create new opportunities for employment and skill development within the community. The initiative has not only supported the artisans financially but has also instilled a sense of pride in their work.
Significance for Diwali
Diyas are an integral part of Diwali celebrations, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. The use of handcrafted diyas from Dharavi in various festive programs not only adds a touch of authenticity to the celebrations but also showcases the talent and dedication of these skilled artisans.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. How did the Dharavi Diya Initiative come about?
The initiative was launched by Dharavi Social Mission in partnership with DRPPL to support and preserve the traditional craft of diya-making in Dharavi's Kumbharwada.
2. How many artisans benefited from the sale?
Around 500 artisans and allied workers directly benefited from the sale of one million diyas.
3. Who purchased the diyas?
The diyas were purchased by Mumbai International Airport and the Adani Foundation for use in their Diwali festive programs.
4. What is the significance of the diyas in Diwali celebrations?
Diyas symbolize the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness. They are an integral part of Diwali celebrations and are used to decorate homes, temples, and public spaces.
5. What are the future plans for the Dharavi Diya Initiative?
Dharavi Social Mission and DRPPL plan to continue supporting the Kumbharwada artisans by promoting the sale of handcrafted diyas and exploring new income-generating opportunities for the community.
Branded mithai sales are expected to rise by 15-20% during this Diwali season in India, due to a surge in corporate gifting, retail demand, and product innovation. The packaged sweets market in India is projected to reach 27,600 by 2033, with a 16% annual growth rate, as per IMARC Group. With a growing taste for luxury and customization in gifting, Indian brands are expanding rapidly and introducing new products, such as millet-based and vegan options, to cater to changing consumer preferences.
Shoppers Stop, India's leading retail destination, hosted a star-studded event to launch their exclusive Diwali Collection in Pune. With famous actress Tejasswi Prakash gracing the event, the store was transformed into a festive paradise with vibrant displays and a plethora of premium brands and gifting options. Speaking about the collection, Shoppers Stop's CEO Kavindra Mishra emphasized their commitment to providing the best shopping experience for customers. Fans had the opportunity to meet Tejasswi and explore the collection, making the launch a truly memorable Diwali celebration for everyone.
Muthoot Finance, India's largest gold loan NBFC, is launching the third season of its Sunheri Soch campaign, which aims to break myths surrounding gold loans and highlight the stories of its customers' success. With Madhuri Dixit as the narrator and supported by regional voices and 64 radio stations, the campaign showcases how gold loans can be an engine of opportunity and financial independence. The Sunheri Soch movement will also have a digital platform, sunherisoch.com, where customers can engage and share their own inspiring stories.
The Indian Airport Economic Regulatory Authority has extended the deadline for stakeholders to submit feedback on proposed airport performance standards until October 20. The authority aims to create a balanced mechanism that rewards airport service excellence while holding them accountable for lapses. This performance-linked framework will potentially affect tariff structures and service agreements across major airports in India, aligning with global best practices.
In this email, a reader expresses their frustration with the decline of dressing well in public settings. However, the writer also points out the undeniable advantages that come with dressing in a more formal and put-together manner, including better treatment from others and an increase in self-confidence. While many may argue that they have the right to dress as they please, societal norms and expectations still exist and can affect how one is perceived and treated. This highlights the power of appearance in various aspects of life, including business and success.
The Dhanteras festival proved to be a boon for Indian traders as consumers defied surging gold prices and spent an estimated Rs 1 lakh crore on the auspicious day. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) reported a 25% increase in gold and silver sales, making up a significant portion of the total expenditure. Despite the economic slowdown, the tradition of purchasing gold and other items symbolising prosperity on Dhanteras remains strong, highlighting the cultural significance of the festival.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition (IREE), highlighted India's remarkable progress in railway modernisation, stating that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has witnessed the construction of 35,000 kilometres of new railway tracks and electrification of 46,000 kilometres of tracks in the past 11 years. He praised the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for organising the IREE and urged them to think bigger and envision a global-scale railway exhibition that surpasses Germany's InnoTrans, showcasing India's growing capabilities in railway infrastructure and technology.
On Friday, the IRCTC website and mobile app faced technical issues, causing an outage and inconvenience to over 5,800 users trying to book tickets. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints as the server crashed during peak booking hours, with some suggesting the need for better technology to handle festive rush. Officials have assured that efforts are being made to restore normal operations.
In a boost for the festive season, Indian Railways has launched two special Vande Bharat trains between Delhi and Patna. These trains will run till November 17 and offer a luxurious and secure travel experience for passengers during Diwali and Chhath Puja. With stops at six important stations, these trains will cover a distance of 1,000 km in under 14 hours.
As India prepares for Dhanteras 2025, gold has already become the star of the show, with prices surging more than 50% this year and showing no signs of slowing. The combination of global and domestic factors, including safe-haven demand, central bank buying, and economic uncertainty, has pushed gold to an all-time high of over Rs 1,30,000 per 10 grams. As investors flock to add the precious metal to their portfolio, experts predict a continued upward trend, driven by lower interest rates, de-dollarisation, and geopolitical tensions.