Dhanbad: For many residents, lighting an earthen diya on Diwali is more than a ritual. It is an expression of pride and personal attachment to the festival.That feeling came alive on Sunday at the ‘Apna Diya, Apni Diwali’ programme, where hundreds, including schoolchildren, women, and family members, enthusiastically participated in a programme being organised for residents to design earthen lamps with own hands and take them home for Diwali.The commissioner of the Dhanbad Municipal Corporation, Ashish Gangwar, along with his wife and superintendent of railway police (SRP) Moomal Rajpurohit, attended the programme. “The initiative connects the youths to Indian culture, traditions and the contributions of great personalities, while promoting cultural awareness, social harmony and togetherness,” Gangwar said.A resident of Saraidhela, Meeta Sen, said, “The experience added a personal touch to the festive glow. There is a special emotional attachment to own creations. Lighting this diya during the festival will give me a different kind of happiness and pride.”An excited Class VII student, Samriddhi, said, “I have designed a small diya that I will light on my study table so that the mellow glow helps me to concentrate during my study hours throughout the year. It is believed that whatever work we begin on Diwali, God helps us continue it successfully throughout the year.”Organiser Shyam Pandey said, “The programme will continue till Nov 7, featuring activities that promote traditional values, national pride, and an eco-friendly Diwali.”
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