At Lodhi Road, Blind School Diwali Mela buzzes with color, craft, and festive cheer for all ages

Paper lamps, home decor, clothes, shoes, food — the aisles have everything one would need for Diwali. The scene — ordinary yet vivid — captures the texture of the Capital’s pre-Diwali rhythm: part bazaar, part community celebration. It feels both spirited and purposeful.

“This is our biggest fundraising event, and everything sold here supports the education and skill training programmes for visually impaired students,” says Swapna Merlin, head of communication at the association.

The mela is as much about what’s made on campus as what is brought in from across the country. The association’s own stalls — with candles, paper bags and lanterns, diyas, and stitched fabric — showcase the work of visually impaired adults who train here throughout the year.

“Many of them developed blindness later in life or come from rural areas where awareness and opportunities are limited,” Swapna says.

“They come for a one-year course in which they learn multiple skills like candle-making, sewing, paper craft, and even massage therapy. And what they make is sold here,”she adds

Vipul Pandey (18) and Johnny (20) are students currently part of the candle-making unit, and have been training at the association for six months.

On the process, Vipul says, “First, we tie the die (mould). Then we apply oil to it. After that, we bring the wax and pour it in. When it gets tight, we open it and keep it aside.”

Johnny explains the different types of candles they make at the unit: “We make all kinds of candles — apple-shaped, round-shaped, scented, and minar (tower) candles.”

Small sections have been set up for massages — another of the association’s training initiatives.

“We prepare adults who have received some education to become professional masseurs. They offer massages here for a nominal fee,” says Swapna. A cafe run by trainees serves snacks and beverages on the premises.

Beyond the association’s own counters, the grounds are open to vendor tents. “About sixty per cent of them come back every year,” says David Absalom, the association’s Executive Secretary. “The rest are new. We bring in silver jewellery, home décor, accessories — a mix that keeps the mela fresh.”

He adds that this year’s crowd has been more “floating” than dense. “People come, browse, buy, and move on. It’s relaxed — not packed,” he says.

This rhythm suits stallholders like Aman Arora, founder of Kainaat, who has been displaying his home accessories brand at the mela for nearly 17 years.

“Everything we make is designed in India and made in India. The Blind School mela has always drawn the best crowd — aware, interested, and appreciative. We built our brand here,” he adds.

His neighbour at the fair, Divya Khanna, owner of Diva Riche, has been coming to the fair for the past 15 years. “Everything we make — fabrics and tassels — is done in-house… It’s good exposure, but we are also supporting a cause.”

Suman Sonthalia, founder of Aakriti Art Creations and winner of the President’s National Award for Master Craftsperson, has been a fixture at the mela since 2002. Reflecting on her years at the mela, she says, “There was a time when people came here only for diyas and clay items. Today, the crowd understands art and craft — they value what the artist creates and are willing to pay for it.”

She also notes that the scale of the mela and the variety of items available have changed over the years.

The crowd at the mela itself is a mix, spanning long-time regulars to college students. Rita Khurana (63), a salon owner from Noida, has been coming to the mela for years. “It’s a bit expensive now, but the quality is worth it,” she says, scanning a rack of embroidered suits.

A group of teenagers from South Delhi are enjoying their ice creams from a nearby stall.

“It’s a very nice place for shopping and spending time with friends… and the food is very good. It’s totally a family place,” says 16-year-old Riya Thakur, who has come to the mela for the first time with her friends.

Sara Chauhan (19), a regular at the mela, says, “There are more art and craft stores now than earlier… You can have fun and also help someone.”