Candles by the visually impaired a big hit at Diwali fair in Delhi

They may have difficulty in enjoying the upcoming festival of lights due to their visually-disability, but many of them in the Capital appear to have filled their all joy into the candles prepared by them for others who can see.

New Delhi, Nov. 6 : They may have difficulty in enjoying the upcoming festival of lights due to their visually-disability, but many of them in the Capital appear to have filled their all joy into the candles prepared by them for others who can see.

Candles and other decorative items made by visually-impaired people are proving a major draw at an ongoing 10-day special fair that commenced here near the Old Fort ahead of Diwali this past week.

Organised by the Blind Relief Organisation, the annual fair also captivates people for the fact that the exquisite decorative creations exhibited here are prepared by the people with visual disabilities.

"The fair allows us to sell the products made by the visually-impaired as well as it provides an opportunity to come in close contact with the public. It enables us to show the latent potential of the visually challenged," said K. C. Pandey, executive secretary of the Blind Relief Association, Delhi.

"It is a good opportunity and of course, besides, it is a good resource generation exercise for us," said Pandey.

Besides the conventional colourful wax sticks, candles in various shapes and designs like Christmas trees, flowers, fruits and other figures are also on display. These handmade candles are inexpensive and at par in terms of quality and designs available in various Delhi markets.

Candles and lamps, prepared by the visually-challenged over the year, are stored only to be sold at the special fair held around Diwali.

While the tradition has been to decorate the house with earthen lamps with cotton wicks and oil, the designer lamps are fast becoming popular.

Several visitors said such events provide encouragement to the hidden talents among the visually-impaired individuals.

"It adds a special feeling when one thinks that these candles have been prepared by visually challenged people. And, when we will lit these candles, perhaps, it will also add joy to someone's life," Dilip, a customer.

Thousands of candles are sold at the fair and the proceeds are used for the welfare of the visually impaired.

According to Ramayana, the Hindu epic, millions of earthen lamps and candles were lit to mark the return of Lord Rama, his brother Lakshmana and wife Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile and victory over demon King Ravana. By Mritunjay Singh

ANI