Every year between October 2nd and October 8th, Daan Utsav is celebrated. It is also known as the Joy of Giving Week, which commences with Gandhi Jayanti. Everybody is encouraged to donate this week, whether it is with their time, money, resources, or skills. We learn about the many advantages of the “act of giving” during the joy of giving week. Every year, a large number of corporate entities, civil society organisations, educational institutions, and other organisations enthusiastically participate in this Utsav to celebrate and aid those in need.
History of Daan Utsav
Many people, including NGO leaders, came together between November 2008 and February 2009 to decide on starting an India Giving Week. Gujarat’s Riverside School came up with a competition for the same called Design for Change. The “joy of week” brand concept was developed by the GiveIndia advertising firm in 2009. The festival flourished and expanded across all socioeconomic states and geographical regions of India between 2009 and 2013. Volunteers changed the festival’s name to Daan Utsav in February 2014 because of the event’s growing popularity and in response to the feedback for clarity of concept from Indians all around the country.
Why Celebrate Daan Utsav?
There is no set period of time during which one should donate to someone in need. Every day could be a Daan Utsav if we can learn to have compassion for one another! However, it appears that as a result of living in today’s fast-paced, modern, and demanding society, many of us are losing empathy for those around us. Our lifestyles prohibit us from reaching out and helping people who truly need our assistance by preventing us from seeing past our own unique and limited perspectives.
This charitable event serves as a reminder to all of us that showing compassion, taking care of others, and providing for the less fortunate all contribute to restoring our humanity. The festival honouring the act of selfless giving serves as a reminder that there are still millions of individuals who are poor and vulnerable. As compassionate humans, it is our responsibility to lend a hand to one another and restore confidence in humanity. Daan Utsav is celebrated to inspire everyone with the hope, faith and happiness that the world has.
Things to Do in Daan Utsav 2022
India has recently experienced unimaginable sorrow because of the COVID-19 pandemic, floods causing loss of livelihoods, fatalities, and other events. Tragic events and despair can be found practically anywhere. Daan Utsav 2022 will be dedicated to reviving optimism amongst people, brightening people’s lives, and serving as a reminder that we are all in this together.
Participate in the Daan Utsav 2022 Seva Mela
#DaanUtsav Seva Mela is a one-day online fair dedicated to acts of compassion! You can work as a volunteer, provide money or resources, purchase goods, and more. Visit the virtual booths of different organisations, engage with them, and celebrate giving while listening to insightful and motivating presentations from leaders from all areas of life.
Create Paper Bags from Recycled Newspapers
You can volunteer to assist in making paper bags during Daan Utsav and encourage volunteers to serve meals in paper bags rather than plastic to cut down on waste. Volunteers will adopt and promote the practice of reducing, reusing and recycling through this event, promoting sustainable living.
Encourage an NGO
While many of us coped through the trying times of the global pandemic and what followed it and were fortunate to remain unharmed during the pandemic, millions of people suffered as a result of the dramatic changes and ongoing natural disasters. Save the Children has supported those who have been impacted and is now asking for your help. By “thinking to your emotions and doing your share,” they are encouraging people to appreciate the Joy of Giving. This is your chance if you also think that compassion, dignity, and humanity are essential.
Many children have dreams that are often challenged by their circumstances. Let their future not be crushed by their present. Let’s work together to remove all the barriers standing in the way of realising their aspirations. Support a child through this Daan Utsav 2022 with the help of Save the Children and help them understand that if we all work together, a better future is achievable. Giving strengthens links of solidarity that benefit the community as a whole, not just one child.
