A Special Diwali in Vrindavan
 

The Gopinath Temple in Vrindavan glowed with the soft light of hundreds of diyas this Diwali, as widowed mothers gathered to celebrate the festival of lights with smiles, songs, and renewed joy. Once confined to silence and exclusion, these women—now embraced by society through the efforts of the Sulabh International School of Action Sociology and Sociology of Sanitation (SISASSS) under its Widows Welfare Programme—lit lamps not only to brighten the temple, but also to illuminate their own lives with dignity and hope.

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On October 15–16, 2025, SIASSS, organized a heartwarming Diwali celebration for the widowed mothers of Vrindavan—continuing a tradition of inclusion that began more than a decade ago.

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The historic temple courtyard came alive with devotion and colour as the mothers, dressed in vibrant saris, decorated the space with flowers and rangolis, sang bhajans, shared sweets, and lit diyas in unison. The sight was both moving and symbolic—an affirmation that every woman deserves to celebrate life’s joys, regardless of her circumstances.

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The event marked another milestone in Sulabh’s long-standing commitment to restoring dignity and social acceptance for widowed women. Since 2012, the organization has worked to ensure that they are no longer seen as symbols of loss, but as individuals of strength, grace, and joy. Under the compassionate leadership of the late Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, and now carried forward by the Pathak family, Sulabh has provided over 1,500 widowed mothers in Vrindavan and Varanasi with care, shelter, vocational opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

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Speaking at the celebration, Ms. Nitya Pathak, Executive Convener of Sulabh International, emphasized that the initiative reflects the organisation’s ongoing effort to replace stigma with solidarity. She shared that these mothers—many of whom have lived in Vrindavan for decades—now look forward to every festival with anticipation rather than sorrow. Each diya they light has become a symbol of empowerment—a small flame carrying a larger message of equality and compassion.

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As the night deepened and the temple shimmered in the golden glow of countless lamps, the atmosphere was filled with music, laughter, and a quiet sense of triumph. It was not merely a festival being celebrated, but lives being rekindled—lives that once knew only darkness and now shine in the light of acceptance and love. The celebration stood as a living reflection of Sulabh International’s vision: to uphold human dignity in every form and ensure that no one is left behind in the light of joy.