Navaratri is the most awaited festival of the year which is associated with nine days of celebration throughout India. Celebrated in the month of autumn, people worship the feminine Devi – Durga in this festival. The next day after Navaratri, the tenth day is called Dussehra or Vijayadashami. The value that parents teach their children during this festive season is that of good over evil – the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana.
Navaratri & Dussera celebrations across India
Across India, Navaratri is celebrated with lights, joy, dance, Garba, dandiya, fun and lots of food. However, this year, for the second consecutive year, we will be celebrating Navaratri and Dussehra amidst the fear of the pandemic. Yet, the spirit of this festive season remains strong. Joy comes not only from celebrating with dance and dandiya, it also comes with giving. Giving comes in various forms like donating money, clothes, medical supplies and food.
No matter what is celebrated – Pujo, Dandiya Raas, Navaratri, Ghatasthapana, Naada Habba or any other festival, the spirit of giving persists. The most common form of giving during this festival is food and meals. Many people choose to feed the needy adults while others choose to feed little children. Many NGOs open their doors to welcome generous people who want to make a difference in the lives of the have-not’s by donating to an NGO. Food is a necessity that most of the vulnerable sections of India struggle to get.
Akshaya Patra’s feeding service
To serve these vulnerable people, The Akshaya Patra Foundation – a trusted NGO in India strives continuously to provide them regular meals throughout the pandemic. What started in March 2020 as a service of cooked meals, has expanded to cater to the needs of marginalized families, homeless mothers, school children, pregnant women, etc.
Till 30th September 2021, 18,72,10,841 cumulative meals have been served and will continue till there are people in need of food.
The above kits contain food items and other essentials that help families survive the tough times brought forth by the pandemic.
• Cooked meals save individuals suffering from short term, acute or chronic hunger
• Grocery Kits provided food essentials during the pandemic
• Happiness Kits are distributed to mid-day meal beneficiaries in the absence of school meals
• Family Happiness Kits provide food and other essentials to marginalized families
• Raksha Kits are provided as an incentive to help people get vaccinated
• Shakti Kits are distributed to nourish anaemic pregnant women.
Resuming of feeding children with the Mid-Day Meal Programme
As children have started resuming going to schools, Akshaya Patra has also resumed its service to provide mid-day meals to them. On a daily basis, freshly cooked meals are distributed to school children studying in Government and Government-aided schools. Great precaution and care is taken to ensure that meals are cooked in a safe and hygienic manner.
Inside the Akshaya Patra kitchens
Let your goodness triumph over hunger this Navratri
Hunger causes discomfort and is the evil force that people from vulnerable communities are fighting every single day with low income and loss of secure jobs. This Navaratri, let your generosity triumph over their hunger. Your contribution can help them celebrate this festival on a full stomach. Donate online and provide food security to add goodness to this special day of Navaratri.
