ALSphere Foundation
“You cannot celebrate the festival of light before combating the darkness within.”- Kapil Raj
Festivals are occasions of joy, unity, and celebrations. Be it a religious occasion or a family get-together, festivals create memories and unique experiences. India is known as a land of culture and traditions that inculcates family values. Every festival is an opportunity to spend quality time as a family and learn about its significance. Though India has moved towards modernization that has enhanced the lifestyle of people, yet traditions and values remain the same. In India many cultures and religions flourish with peace and prosperity because its culture and traditions are deep rooted in the hearts and minds of people.
Diwali is one such festival known for its vibrancy. Everyone likes to celebrate this auspicious day and festivities that follow. But for children with special needs, there is always a concern. They may have sensory processing issues due to which the bright lights, loud noise of crackers and inflow of visitors can create stress and induce anxiety. It is always advisable to include them in the planning so that it doesn’t come as a surprise or rather a shock to them.
This year we included Anoushka in the preparation stage and her involvement was better than what we expected. She was a part of the decoration, doing the Pooja, trying to sing all the hymns and lighting the diyas. Only if they feel included, will they have a true understanding of the importance of the festival.
One of the stars, Chinmay Nair celebrated the Diwali evening with his favourite people. He loves
Diwali for the yummy desi sweets he gets to eat. So, the best would be for his mother to include him in the preparation of sweets next year.
Aashi celebrated Diwali with her friends in school, made rangoli, rolled some sweets and distributed food amongst other children and burst crackers with her family and friends in the evening. This is a perfect example of inculcating values like sharing amongst children.
Johanna, the youngest star we have come across, enjoys every bit of the celebration. She likes lots of music, dance, dressing up, being amongst friends, socializing and relishing good food. This is a great example of inclusion. 
For Twaritha, this year was special as she celebrated Diwali dressing up in her best Indian attire and making rangoli with her sisters and mother. These moments become a family bonding time as well.
Though he belongs to a different religion, Adnaan visited his friends who celebrated Diwali.He joined in their festivities by dressing up in ethnic clothes. He enjoyed the festive sweets and snacks; this is one time diet restrictions were lifted for him. These intercultural celebrations create harmony and oneness.
Rahul celebrated Diwali with his family. He enjoyed lighting diyas and making rangoli. Diwali is the time to relish sweets and delicacies for him. It’s a good time to explore interests that they can pursue in future.
Post Covid, this year was a year of continuing festivities. In all the excitement, one must not forget the extra care the child with special needs requires, so a sensory friendly Diwali celebration is advisable. It is emotionally overwhelming for the parents of special needs children because they struggle hard to make it an enjoyable and inclusive experience.
May the spirit of love, inclusion, celebration and togetherness continue throughout the year!
Nisha Tandon
