In a world that often rushes past in a blur, there’s a festival that invites us to pause, reflect, and embrace the simple, profound joy of giving. It’s called Daan Utsav—the Festival of Giving—and it’s a celebration that has become a cherished tradition in our lives. Celebrated every year from October 2 to 8, #DaanUtsav is India’s biggest festival of giving. People come together to celebrate acts of kindness by providing time, resources, or money to the cause(s) they care about.
For Vaishnavi and me, Daan Utsav is not just a week-long event; it is a cherished ritual that we have woven into the fabric of our lives. Every year, we meticulously plan #7DaysofGiving, ensuring that each day brings a new opportunity to give, to share, and to spread happiness in ways big and small.
Just like the way we celebrate Diwali with lights, sweets, and family gatherings, Daan Utsav is about lighting up lives, sweetening moments for others, and gathering together in the spirit of generosity. Giving is not just a noble act; it is a way to connect deeply with others, to experience the joy that comes from making a difference, and to remind ourselves of the values that truly matter.
During the 2021 #DaanUtsav, we decided to start feeding the strays through “The Happy Project” in memory of a dog we had at the Bhumi office. Little did we know that this simple act of kindness would soon grow into something much more personal and profound. Just a short time later, on October 19, 2021, we lost our beloved dog, Bolt. In his memory, our project evolved into “The Happy-Bolt Project,” a tribute to the joy and love he brought into our lives.
Today, we care for over 20 dogs in our neighborhood, with two of them receiving a meal every single day. This small act of giving has not only honored the memory of our beloved pets but has also brought us closer to our community, connecting us with both animals and people who share our love for them.
At Bhumi, one of the most heartwarming traditions we celebrate during Daan Utsav is known as “Fistful of Joy.” Each day, the children in our fellowship schools come together to collect a fistful of rice, which they bring to school at the end of the week. The generous folks at Big Basket then match this contribution, and we share the entire donation with a nearby shelter home or orphanage. This touching ritual not only instills the values of kindness and generosity in our young ones but also creates a beautiful ripple effect of giving. Each grain of rice, lovingly gathered by these children, becomes a symbol of hope and compassion for those in need.
As I reflect on our journey with Daan Utsav, I realize that this festival has become a cornerstone of our lives, enriching our hearts and deepening our connection with our community. The joy of giving is a feeling unlike any other—it lifts your spirits, fills your heart with love, and brings a sense of fulfillment that’s hard to put into words.
I invite you to join us in celebrating Daan Utsav this year. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness or larger gestures of support, every act of giving counts.
Visit Bhumi’s Daan Utsav website for inspiration and ideas on how you can participate—from volunteering your time, hosting donation drives, to simply spreading awareness. Involve your friends, family, children, and even your pets, and experience the incredible joy that comes from making the world a little brighter, one act of kindness at a time.
Because in the end, the true essence of any celebration lies in the connections we make, the love we share, and the joy we bring to others.
After all, the best way to find happiness is to give it away.
Celebrate Daan Utsav with Bhumi & Me – https://go.bhumi.ngo/daan
Authored by: Dr Prahalathan KK – Co-founder, Bhumi