On the 2024 Deepavali Charity Distribution Day, the family embraced each other after the younger generation presented the heart lamp and hot tea. (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
"Light up the lamp in my heart, dedicate it to my parents, and wish them and all parents around the world good health and happiness."
“First, smell the tea, then drink it slowly in three sips. With the first sip, harbour kind thoughts. With the second, speak kind words. With the third, do kind deeds.”
During the 2024 Deepavali charity distribution event, Tzu Chi specially arranged a lighting and tea offering ceremony where the emcee gently guided everyone in English, so that the children could express their gratitude and sincere blessings to their parents. The children then bowed and hugged their parents and said "I love you" and "thank you" to express their gratitude for their parents' selfless love.
Raj Kumar attended the event with his fiancée and his mother. He shared how he kneels daily to pay respect to his parents and seek their blessings before leaving the house. He is grateful to his mother for raising him and taking good care of his brother who has cerebral palsy. His mother is a very important person in his life and he hopes that she will live a long and healthy life.
Anika, a care recipient, was injured in an accident two years ago and has been bedridden ever since. Although she was unable to attend the event in person today, her mother, Sonia brought Anika's grandfather and daughter to the event.
Anika’s lively four-year-old daughter presented a cup of hot tea to her 75-year-old great-grandfather, creating a heart-warming moment filled with laughter.
Although care recipient Anika was unable to attend the event in person on this day, her mother Sonia (left) came with Anika's grandfather and daughter (middle). (Photo by Fong Kwai Kin)
20 October 2024 marked Tzu Chi’s annual Deepavali Charity Distribution Day, with 40 care recipients and their families gathering at Jing Si Hall to celebrate. Sonia and her family were among the attendees.
Guests were greeted at the entrance by traditional, colourful Indian Rangoli. Volunteers accompanied them to take family photos. Besides the captivating dance and magic performances, the event promoted healthy eating through serving plant-based food.
“I am grateful to the Tzu Chi volunteers who come to my daughter’s home every Thursday to provide her with acupuncture and massage. It is gratifying to see that her condition is improving.” Sonia hopes that her daughter will gradually recover and be able to attend the Deepavali Charity Distribution Day next year. Since Anika became paralyzed and bedridden, Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) has been providing her with medical supplies every month and has also started to arrange for weekly rehabilitation treatment for her.
The family posed for a photo with their long-time volunteer companion. Anika’s daughter enjoyed the day’s programme, and her grandfather enthusiastically praised the lively activities and the wholesome whole-food plant-based Indian food.
40 Indian care recipients and their families arrive at Jing Si Hall to celebrate Deepavali with Tzu Chi volunteers. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
The traditional Indian “Rangoli” in the Culture Hall on the first floor of Jing Si Hall is designed with the help of the care recipients. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
"Thank you for walking with me through life’s many hurdles"
Another care recipient, Lyvia (not her real name), had eagerly anticipated this day. She rarely leaves home after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. After two and a half years, she finally dressed up and attended the event, accompanied by her 12-year-old daughter, Kiara.
“I have already thought about the piece that I am going to perform next year!” Kiara said excitedly after performing a traditional dance on stage. She felt the love and care of the Tzu Chi volunteers for her mother and herself, and spent several months practicing hard, hoping to repay the volunteers’ efforts and care through her performance.
“I’m so proud of her. She’s grown and matured a lot,” said Lyvia, who recorded Kiara’s solo dance on her phone. With tears in her eyes, she expressed her gratitude to the volunteers who accompanied her along the way, and thanked Tzu Chi for its help over the years.
Kiara expresses her gratitude and blessings to everyone with her exquisite dance. (Photo by Lim Suan Chu)
Donating to the Bamboo Bank for charity brings the greatest joy
“Rainbow, rainbow! A black ribbon turns into a rainbow, bringing light!”
The couple who performed the magic show not only they demonstrated great teamwork together, they also incorporated their positivity into the performance. Interactive segments, like cutting ropes and changing cards, kept the crowd engaged, filling the hall with applause and laughter.
The event day felt magical, with seven delicious plant-based dishes prepared by volunteers. The kitchen volunteers who prepared the meals were bold and innovative, and conducted trial cooking under the guidance of professional chefs a week before the event to ensure that each dish was not only delicious but also healthy, so that everyone could enjoy the food with peace of mind and pleasure.
Coordinator Yaw Huey Xin highlighted that many care recipients struggle with health issues such as high cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure. To promote healthier lifestyles, a doctor was invited to share tips on healthy eating, encouraging everyone to make healthy choices in daily life and gain health from diet. Simple physical examinations and health consultation services were also provided on site.
-
Authentic ingredients were used to prepare seven delicious Indian dishes for the event. (Photo by Lim Suan Chu) -
Dr Charles shares his six years of experience on how to stay healthy through adopting a whole-food plant-based diet. (Photo by Lim Suan Chu) -
(Photo by Lin Chun Huey) -
The light-hearted and interesting magic show won applause from the audience. (Photo by Lim Suan Chu)
“I give a thumbs up to today’s volunteers. Although we don’t know each other, they all care about everyone with their hearts. This is the most comforting place I’ve ever been,” shared Sheila, a long-time attendee of the Deepavali Charity Distribution Day. Every year, she brings a full bamboo bank to pass on this love to those who need help more. She is very happy to have become someone like the volunteers who take practical actions to help others.
Sheila has participated in the Deepavali Charity Distribution Day for many years and brings a full bamboo bank every year. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
“Because we are one family, we’re together, sharing each other’s life joyfully…”
Both on and off stage, everyone sang the song “We Are One Family” in unison. Regardless of race, religion, or background, the event exemplified a shared journey of care and support.
Share 
