Click to play videoJanla (Orissa): Diwali for most of us means celebrations with family members. But for the inmates of Ashra, a home for mentally challenged women in Orissa, it’s a time to remember their happier past.
Forty-eight-year old Annapurna, who was rescued from her home last year, is celebrating Diwali after 26 years at Ashra. She had been locked up in a tiny room for 25 years by her parents. But now, she is gradually recovering from the trauma.
"Today is Diwali. In Diwali I used to light diyas (lamps) and burst crackers. We celebrated it traditionally,” Annapurna recalls.
But it’s not just Annapurna who is merrymaking after a long time. For the other 158 women inmates, Diwali is a time to forget their sufferings.
"I miss my children very much in Diwali. They enjoy a lot by bursting crackers. I wish I would have been with them,” another inmate, Sushila Bai said.
Though painful, sometimes it’s these memories that help. In last three years 58 inmates have been cured and are now back with their families. And celebrations like these have played a major role in helping them return to normal life.
"The very purpose of making them celebrate these festivals is to help them to remember their past and get cured. It also gives them a homely atmosphere, something they have lost long back,” said Director, Ashra, Govind Patnaik.
The women, separated from their families, may have forgotten the essence of Diwali but as they celebrate the festival of lights in their own unique way, one can only hope this Diwali bring some brightness in their life.
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