Lucknow: This Diwali, Uttar Pradesh is set to celebrate a festival of lights with a special focus on empowerment and inclusivity. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state will host the ‘Divya Deepawali Mela 2025’ across all divisions on October 16-17, showcasing products crafted by persons with disabilities. Handcrafted clay lamps, candles, pooja items, jewelry, handicrafts, and food items will be displayed, highlighting the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of differently-abled citizens.
The initiative aims to promote economic self-reliance, social recognition, and local products, aligning with the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ missions. The mela not only provides a platform for skill exhibition but also integrates these products into national and international markets through digital platforms. Preparations have been completed in major divisions including Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Meerut, with events also scheduled in cities like Basti, Aligarh, Varanasi, and Jhansi.
As part of the eco-friendly Diwali celebrations, 25,000 clay lamps made by rural women from Lakhimpur Kheri, incorporating natural herbs for fragrance, will illuminate Ayodhya. The lamps, crafted with mud and cow dung, reflect sustainable practices while fostering women’s economic empowerment. Officials highlighted the mela as a celebration of participation, skill, and independence, demonstrating that every individual can contribute to society through their talents.
With this initiative, the Uttar Pradesh government continues to blend cultural celebration with social inclusion, environmental consciousness, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities and rural women, making this year’s Diwali brighter and more meaningful for all.
