Mangaluru Special Students Light Up Diwali with Hand-Painted Diyas

Mangaluru: As the spirit of Diwali spreads across the country, a group of differently abled students in Mangaluru have been adding their own creative glow to the festival of lights.

Students from Saanidhya Special School in Shaktinagar have been busy for the past three months, painting and decorating clay lamps (diyas), giving them a vibrant and artistic touch ahead of the festive season. ​

Under the school’s skill development program, over 30 special needs students aged above 25 years are engaged in designing and colouring the diyas. The lamps, purchased directly from local potters, are first cleaned, then painted in bright hues, and finally decorated with small embellishments before packaging.

The activity aims to improve motor skills, focus, and creativity among the students while also helping them develop a sense of contribution and independence.

Teachers at the centre said the initiative has received encouraging local response, with more than 2,000 diyas already sold this year. “Our students have been working with great dedication for nearly three months. Each diya reflects their effort and love. The support from the community motivates them immensely,” said Shubha, a teacher at the centre.

The Saanidhya Special School has a tradition of engaging its students in festive and creative activities. Last year, the children prepared eco-friendly colours from flower petals for Holi and even made incense sticks using dried flowers.

These initiatives not only showcase the unwavering spirit of the children but also raise awareness about inclusion and sustainability within the community. With their hand-crafted diyas now adorning homes across Mangaluru, these special children have truly added a meaningful sparkle to this year’s Diwali.

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