Festival of Lights with Local Culture | RC-16/26 | 2026-11-02 - 2026-11-11 | FEST,CULT | Age: 18 - 80

RUCHI NGO with Local Council

Work: This camp is a great opportunity to learn and experience Indian culture and understand the diversity and unity it stands for. Therefore, be prepared to enjoy festivities and enjoy leisurely walks with easy pace and interacting with local communities. Besides, you shall be participating in our ongoing humanitarian actions like Non formal education, women empowerment initiatives, environment conservation, waste upcycling, organic farming etc and interacting with local people on daily basis leading to the festival. With this project we aim to encourage cross cultural exchanges and provide a deeper insight of our culture. Months of October and November host two prominent Indian festivals of national importance. The dates are decided on yearly basis as per Hindu calendar. These camps are specially organized for those who are interested in Indian history and culture. This period is also supposed to be auspicious for marriages. Besides local festivals, volunteers will have an opportunity to learn of Hindu traditions.

Accomodation and food: Volunteers will stay at peaceful RUCHI campus on twin/triple sharing basis. Bed and beddings are provided. Simple basic amenities will be available. Though cooked authentic Indian vegetarian meals will be served volunteers are expected to assist the cook.

Location: SolanKuthar

Location and Leisure: Kuthar is a large village growing into a township where most of the major district level festivals are held. It is 50 km north of Chandigarh city and 70 kms from Shimla town. Baddi offers a number of treks to tourists and a good majestic view of range of mountains. The economy of the area depends on agriculture and industries. The volunteers will have opportunity to visit Kasauli hill station or Hanuman Temple in Shimla, the Naldehra Golf Club and a local zoo or the Rock Garden in Chandigarh.

Airport: DEL

Train/Bus station: Kalka

Requirements: Interest in experiencing other cultures and participate with local communities in local/national festivals.

Kalka

Language: eng

Extra Fee: 230 EUR

Diwali or Festival of Lights is a national festival celebrated throughout the country with lot of zeal for 5 days. This main festival, falling on 8th November, 2026, is celebrated with a great fervor just like Christmas and goes on for 5 days. Diwali is followed by other local events like Budi Diwali, viswakarma puja, Bhaiya Dooj etc. In North India, as it is believed that it was on Diwali that Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after killing the Demon king Ravana in Sri Lanka.