Participate in this annual festival and be a giver
DAANUTSAV is a heartwarming way to start the festive season. Celebrated across India by people from all walks of life who come together to give back to society, this week-long festival of giving has virtually gone virtual this year!
In recent months India has witnessed insurmountable grief due to the Covid-19 pandemic, floods, loss of livelihoods, lives, and more. There’s tragedy and hopelessness almost everywhere. In the midst of this, DaanUtsav will serve to rekindle hope, brighten up people’s lives and remind ourselves that we are in it together. There are hundreds of events across India celebrating DaanUtsav from October 2-8 to toast the spirit of benevolence. Here is our pick of top 10 for you:
1. Participate in Seva Mela 2020
#DaanUtsav Seva Mela is a unique one-day virtual kindness fair! You can volunteer, donate money or resources, buy products and more. Visit the virtual stalls of various organisations, listen to insightful and inspiring talks by leaders from all walks of life, engage with them and celebrate giving.
2. Join Wildlife SOS’s celebration of DaanUtsav
If you’re an animal lover who cares for wildlife and conservation, volunteer or donate to #WildlifeSOS this DaanUtsav. They are on the front lines to save India’s wildlife and secure a future for species whose survival is at stake. By supporting Wildlife SOS, you’ll make a real difference and ensure the long-term conservation of wildlife.You can donate here.
3. Be a catalyst for change
Catalysts for Social Action (CSA) is celebrating DaanUtsav by giving us a chance to create #45MinsOfChange for children in Childcare Institutions. They are conducting a series of unique, engaging sessions with influencers in their respective domains. You too can participate and share your skills with the children in this week-long series of sessions starting October 2nd!
4. Give’s 100 Heroes and GiftBack
The top 100 NGOs fundraising during this festive carnival, will be rewarded for their efforts in raising funds with up to 100% matching donations. This event starts on October 2 and ends on November 20 after Diwali. You can help by choosing a cause to donate to, and as part of Give’s GiftBack initiative, all donations of ₹500 and above will be topped up by a surprise amount. This will further increase the donation value and provide greater impact.
5. KALA MELA – Support Artists this #DaanUtsav!
Artists and artisans have been badly affected by the lockdown following the Coronavirus pandemic and had zero income in the past six months. See their inspiring artwork on display at this online gallery-exhibit. You can buy a piece of art from a plethora of options and show your solidarity!
6. Learn Sign Language
PahalFoundation with the support of Kindness Unlimited is celebrating DaanUtsav differently through a workshop on Sign Language and Disability Awareness. Join it to learn the basic signs to communicate with hearing impaired or deaf people and to learn how to interact with persons with disabilities. It will introduce you to a whole new community and you’ll make new friends. Surprise yourself and spread happiness!
Duration: 11 am to 1 pm – 2 hours per day from October 2-8.
7. India Generosity Run – a virtual one!
#GivingTuesdayIndia is celebrating through the India Generosity Run. It’s an opportunity for everyone to collectively cover the 79,000 km that Gandhiji walked for our freedom movement! You can choose an NGO you wish to support (from a list of NGOs vetted by GuideStar India) and run/ jog/ walk/ move in a wheelchair, at a location of your choosing (home, neighbourhood, gym, park, treadmill) at your time and pace between Oct 2 & 11, using any fitness app. Send the screenshot of your running app for verification to the race manager by the end of Oct 11, 2020. This run is open to anyone above 10 years of age, residing anywhere in India and abroad, regardless of your nationality!
8. Dil ki suno..kuch karo initiative by Goonj
While many of us adjusted and are lucky to stay safe amidst the pandemic this year, millions have suffered due to the unprecedented changes while facing perennial natural disasters. Goonj has stood with the affected and needs you too as well. They are inviting people to celebrate the Joy of Giving by ‘listening to your heart, and doing your bit’. If you also believe in the essence of humanity, compassion and dignity, then this is your opportunity.
9. Support the arts, for little hearts
Slam Out Loud is fundraising to encourage young voices from marginalised communities in the remotest corners of rural India. It is helping them emerge and express themselves through performance and visual arts. This DaanUtsav, do your bit to empower children with creative confidence they need to dream bigger and create their future.
10. Capture smiles and giveaway happy memories during DaanUtsav
Like photography? This one might be perfect for you. A photo well taken is a treasure unlike any other! Make someone’s day just by clicking a photo and giving it to them! Calling all click-happy people to bring some joy, during this Daan Utsav!
True happiness doesn’t come from what we get but from what we give. This DaanUtsav, do something nice for others and yourself. You never know how one small act of kindness could change someone’s life. Let’s celebrate giving and spread cheer!
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In its 20th year, Give has chosen October 2, the start of DaanUtsav, to make its crowdfunding platform, Give Fundraisers, free for all fundraising. We were the first to waive platform fees for all COVID-related campaigns, even absorbing third-party payment processing charges. Now, we have completely waived-off platform fees, making it 0% forever.
Samar is a Marcoms specialist and freelance writer. She has a master’s in marketing and creativity from ESCP Business School. She is an avid traveller and likes to write about technology, travel, wildlife and sustainability.
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October 5, 2020 — 3:01 pm
Festival of Giving week. This is the one way to celebrate happiness with others by giving love and something.