Nayana J C

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Oct 19: Dasara is a festival of colours, devotion, and traditional tiger dances. However, seven children from Sajipanadu village in Bantwal taluk gave the festival a special meaning this year by donating the money they collected through their 'Sharadoola' (tiger) dance to help a young man who has been bedridden for the past five years following an accident.

Vaibhav, Hardik, Adheep, Shreyas, Satvik, Amogh, and Ritesh, students of a primary school in Sajipanadu, have been participating in the traditional Dasara celebrations every year. Dressed as tiger dancers, the children visit homes in their village to collect money.

In previous years, the boys would collect around Rs 600, which they usually shared among themselves to buy snacks and enjoy their school holidays. However, this year, they decided to use the funds for a noble cause. Moved by the suffering of the young man from their village, they decided to donate their entire collection to assist with his medical needs.

With the support of the villagers, the children managed to collect Rs 5,400 this year and handed over the entire amount to the youth.

Speaking about their gesture, one of the children said they felt sad after learning about the young man's condition. They had kept their collection in their helmets, using only a small portion for their own expenses before deciding to donate the remaining amount.

Initially, the children did not share their act of kindness with anyone, as they did not want publicity. However, after two days, when people began asking about it, they revealed what they had done.

The children also took the initiative to prepare for their performances themselves. Two girls helped with their makeup, while the boys arranged their costumes using available materials. Despite the simple arrangements, their determination to help someone in need made their effort truly special.

Mamatha, the parent of one of the children, said the family members were happy and proud of the decision. She expressed hope that the children would continue the initiative in the coming years as well.

The children's gesture has earned widespread appreciation from villagers and people on social media. Their act demonstrates that compassion and generosity are not determined by age or wealth, but by the willingness to understand and respond to another person's suffering.

Through their traditional Dasara tiger dance, they have not only kept a cultural practice alive but also turned it into a meaningful act of social service, proving that the true spirit of celebration lies in sharing happiness with those who need it the most.