AI Generated Summary
- Two days after Diwali, as the last of the festive diyas flickered out across India, the villages of Kapurthala district continued to battle the scars left by the devastating floods of August.
- The region suffered immense damage after a major breach in the bundh in August, submerging vast tracts of farmland and displacing families.
- On Diwali eve, volunteers decided to add a touch of festivity to their meals by preparing besan barfi, the traditional sweet that marks celebration and hope.
Two days after Diwali, as the last of the festive diyas flickered out across India, the villages of Kapurthala district continued to battle the scars left by the devastating floods of August. Yet, amid the wreckage, one story of resilience and compassion stood out — a story not of despair, but of unity and light.
In the flood-ravaged village of Ahli Kalan, the community had turned Diwali into a symbol of collective strength. A 24×7 langar — community kitchen — has been running for weeks, feeding both displaced villagers and volunteers working to repair the breached bundh. On Diwali eve, volunteers decided to add a touch of festivity to their meals by preparing besan barfi, the traditional sweet that marks celebration and hope.
“This was to lift spirits and remind everyone that they haven’t been forgotten,” said Rashpal Singh, one of the volunteers coordinating food preparation. “We’ve been making jalebis, pakodas, and sandwiches every day, but this time, besan barfi felt right — a small way to bring the festival to those who lost everything.”
A makeshift kitchen under a tent near the bundh has become the heart of the operation. Using tractors to transport essentials, villagers and volunteers alike work shoulder to shoulder to cook, serve, and distribute meals. The effort, Singh said, would not have been possible without the generosity of local donors and well-wishers who continue to contribute food supplies and funds.
“The community effort is what’s keeping this place alive,” Singh added. “Even though many have lost their homes and fields, we want them to know they’re not alone — not even during Diwali.”
The region suffered immense damage after a major breach in the bundh in August, submerging vast tracts of farmland and displacing families. Videos from the time showed villagers watching helplessly as floodwaters swallowed their crops and homes. Months later, the pain remains, but so does the will to rebuild.
This Diwali, Ahli Kalan didn’t shine with electric lights or grand celebrations. Instead, it glowed with the quiet warmth of shared meals, open hearts, and the enduring belief that even in darkness, kindness can be the brightest flame.
