NGO helps tribals from Awarpada enjoy fest

Tribals from Awarpada village near Dapchari, 145 km from Mumbai, celebrated the festival of lights for the first time, thanks to Mitra Foundation, a city-based NGO.

A group of 25 professionals from various walks of life, led by BJP activist Keshav Upadhyay, visited the tribal village on Dhanteras, which was on Monday.

“The villagers are clueless about Diwali celebrations. For them the festival means nothing as they have no resources. They lack basic amenities; they are happy to get one  day’s meal,” said Upadhyay.

The NGO distributed sweets and crackers among the tribal children. Nearly 100 tribal families participated in the programme, which concluded with their traditional tarpa dance.