Pune : Aba Bagul’s Unique 21-Year Initiative Brings Diwali Joy to Children Selling Goods on Pune’s Streets

Pune, 11th November 2026 : Diwali is a festival of happiness, enthusiasm and togetherness. However, many underprivileged children are unable to enjoy the festivities due to financial difficulties. To bring the joy of Diwali into their lives, former Pune Deputy Mayor and Shiv Sena leader Aba Bagul, along with the Aba Bagul Mitra Parivar, continued their unique Diwali initiative for the 21st consecutive year.

A special Diwali celebration was organised at Goodluck Chowk in Pune for children who sell flags, flowers, balloons and other items on the streets. The children were given a traditional Abhyanga Snan (ritual oil bath) using fragrant bathing powder, Moti soap and warm water. They were also gifted new clothes and given an opportunity to celebrate Diwali by bursting firecrackers. The initiative brought smiles to the faces of the children.

Children selling balloons, flags and other items at various traffic junctions across Pune are a familiar sight. These children work throughout the day to support their families and earn a livelihood. With the aim of ensuring that they also experience festivals like other children, the Abha Bagul Mitra Parivar started this initiative. For the past 21 years, the group has consistently organised the celebration without a break, ensuring that these children get to experience traditional Diwali rituals, new clothes and festive celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, former Deputy Mayor Aba Bagul said, “For the past 21 years, we have been celebrating Diwali with children who sell goods on the streets and live with their families. Giving these children an opportunity to enjoy Abhyanga Snan, new clothes and firecrackers, just like children in our own homes, gives us immense satisfaction. There can be no greater happiness than this.”

He further said, “Many underprivileged children in society do not receive adequate attention. Due to their financial circumstances, they are deprived of education, healthcare and even the joy of celebrating festivals. Our responsibility does not end with celebrating Diwali with them. It is equally important to think about their future. Capable citizens from society should come forward to adopt such children and take responsibility for their education, healthcare and other basic needs. They too deserve an opportunity to live with dignity and confidence.”

The main objective behind this 21-year-old initiative is to ensure that the light of Diwali reaches the lives of children from the most disadvantaged sections of society, allowing them to experience the happiness and warmth of the festival.