Why do we give gifts on festivals and holidays? What makes it special to give or receive gifts?
Diwali in India is called the “festival of lights”, marked by the mythological return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after his exile and victory over Raavan, the demon-king. This festival, spread over five days, symbolizes the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".
Diwali has a cultural significance when it comes to gifting - dry fruits, food hampers, new accounts books and diaries, traditional Indian mithais, an annual bonus to employees - it signifies new beginnings and time with one’s loved ones. Often, these gifts need not be expensive - a small plate of home-made halwa from the neighbour aunty when you aren’t able to go home for Diwali, a handful of sparklers for the maid’s little kids, a smile from the family in the elevator with you - they might seem tiny and inexpensive but they are priceless and leave us with a warm, happy feeling.
This year, Saathi’s Diwali theme is “Kyunki khushiyon ka koi daam nahin hota” - one cannot put a price to happiness. The joy we feel when giving and receiving gifts is priceless because the gesture, more than the material object itself gives happiness to both the giver and the receiver. We don’t gift a phone, a perfume, a dinner set, a platter of dry fruits - rather we wish to give convenience, indulgence, beauty and the joys of great food.
To a septuagenarian living by herself, a child’s smile and “Kaise ho Baa” (How are you, Grandma) is more precious than expensive gifts from her family settled abroad. To a little boy, a hug from his parents will make him smile wider than having fancy toys. A mother’s secret wish is often a cup of chai by herself for a precious 15 minutes, rather than expensive jewellery.
This is because khushiyon ka koi daam nahin hota. These joys, big and small come in all sizes and colours - a bright, fragrant rose bud, a sweet smile or an expensive dress. They have one thing in common - the giver’s love, joy and their consideration.
This happiness and joy does not reside in the price tag, but the thought, love and care that goes behind choosing a gift. We so often anticipate the way our loved ones will smile when they receive a gift from us.
It is time that we start to gift health, wellness, and the goodness of organic, biodegradable products to those who make our lives happier, fuller, and better. Gifting someone a happy, healthy period is priceless. Gifting sanitary pads should not feel strange, should not be frowned upon or ridiculed. Because at the end of the day, you are giving your loved one 2-7 days every month of comfort, chemical-free menstrual management and an eco-friendly way of life.
We firmly believe that Saathi pads will only enrich an occasion, as a time of happiness, love and care. And because khushiyon ka koi daam nahi hota, period wellness ki keemat bhi koi nahin laga sakta. Hence we will be providing Saathi pads free with every purchase.
But free pads to whom?
To the ones who are not privileged enough to call sanitary pads an “essential good”.To the ones for whom sanitary pad disposal is a source of anxiety and shame.
To the ones for whom good hygiene during periods is a luxury.
The simple joys that are spread around by the act of including Saathi in your life are manifold and felt by the water of the oceans, the unpolluted land and air, the people who make a livelihood through our enterprise and your own body, free from chemicals and toxins.
We hope you always choose Saathi, kyunki hum believe karte hain ki - inn khushiyon ka koi daam nahin hota.
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