VRINDAVAN WIDOWS READY FOR DIWALI

VRINDAVAN

Breaking away from  the shackles of convention and social taboos that reduced them to sub-humans,  hundreds of widows living in the shelter homes run by Sulabh International in this holy town, today joined Diwali celebrations that will continue for the next three days. 

Holding lamps they marched in a procession to the Yamuna ghat Tuesday evening to draw public attention to cleanse river pollution and take remedial measures for rejuvenating a virtually dead river, the life line of Braj.  The lighted "diyas" (earthen lamps) symbolised their determination to ward off darkness from the lives of the people. 

These women, earlier looked down upon and pitied, are now living on their own terms. Thanks to efforts by Sulabh they have been able to participate in all the festivals last two years, apart from being involved in vocationally training themselves to be able to become independent. Most are from the East, Bihar and West Bengal. Hindu society in many parts of the country still looks at widows as  "inauspicious."

Before the celebrations begain Tuesday morning, the shelter homes were decorated and given a festive look. Bhajan singing and cultural programmes were organised to enliven the ambience.

This is an occasion to be happy and join the festivities with them, said Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the Sulabh International. Soon, we will begin work on drafting a new legislation to ensure better quality of life and security to widows in India, wherever they live, Pathak said hoping all parties would support his initiative.