One festival that will be celebrated across India with
open hearts and hands is Daan Utsav, where every
individual is free to give whatever they desire. Daan
Utsav, also known as the Joy of Giving Week, will be held
from October 2 to 8, 2016 all over India. However, the
celebrations and philanthropic activities have already
commenced in Goa.
Daan Utsav activities in Goa are coordinated by
Archana Doshi. She is hugely impressed with the way
the festival has picked up in the state over a period of
one year. “The festival was introduced in India in 2009
as the largest philanthropic festival in India and anyone
can contribute their money, skills and resources for this
festival. Compared to last year, the festival has gained
huge momentum. It wouldn’t have been possible without
the persistent efforts and dedication of Dr Farida D’Silva
Dias and Sheryl Afonso. This year there are at least 28
activities being held and they started in September itself
instead of just the week. It makes a big difference when
Goans take the initiative forward,” says Archana.
This year, the activities include essential commodity
collection drives, blood donation drives, the eating
out experience for orphans who will be treated to a
meal at a restaurant with expenses being borne by
the management, picnic for the aged, jumble sale
the proceeds of which will be utilised for the works
carried out by Daan Utsav beneficiaries. Other activities
will include a day at the movies for orphans residing
at Margaret Bosco Bal Sadan, Care & Compassion,
and Novem Jeevit where they will experience the
joy of viewing a movie on the big screen at Samrat
Theatre, Panjim. “Many corporate institutions as well
as educational institutions are reaching out to the
less-privileged children and families on humanitarian
grounds. Fitness First will be providing fitness education
for five young boys who wish to pursue fitness as a career
option and TCUP along with Tender Locks arranged for
hair cuts to underprivileged girls on September 25, 2016,”
adds Archana.
COOJ celebrated Daan Utsav last year at the
Backyard, Sangolda with a lunch party, while this year
it will be celebrated at Silver Bells, Porvorim. Donna
Noronha of COOJ says, “There is a lot of excitement
as we prepare for this very special day. We will be
celebrating the evening with senior citizens from Guirim
Old Age Home and Mother Teresa’s Home in Panjim from
3pm to 6pm at Silver Bells, Porvorim. The evening will
include music, dance and games to boost their energy.
There are many functions held at the old age homes but
it is a different experience to get them out of their homes.
They will also be given takeaway gift bags to take back
home. Daan Utsav is a festival for everyone and many
NGOs are raising funds for the occasion.”
Peter Borges works closely with Human Touch,
and they will be celebrating Daan Utsav by organising
an all Goa open 3-a-side floodlight penalty shootout
competition at the grounds of Our Lady of Health
Church, Sancoale on October 2, 2016. “We want to create
awareness about HIV and drug abuse in Goa. We have
received many entries for the competition, which will
help us raise funds for Human Touch. It is encouraging
to see many Goans support the cause,” says Peter. The
entries are limited to 118 entries with the winner taking
away a prize of Rs 20,000.
