17/08/2026
On 16 July, the Byaspur community came alive with colors, laughter, stories, and the sweetest spirit of togetherness as community members gathered at Hijlipara for their Gyaner Mela – Phol Utsob.
Nearly 135 people from 10 active groups joined the celebration. But this was so much more than a fair to enjoy seasonal fruits.
Every para brought fruits from their own gardens. Mothers lovingly prepared and arranged food. Children helped decorate the venue even in the middle of their exams. Grandparents and mothers shared stories. Girls spoke proudly about their right to play. And community groups came forward to share the changes, ideas, and small victories they have created together. Our adolescent boys managed all the logistics—from distributing fruits on banana-leaf plates to managing the crowd—demonstrating a beautiful example of healthy masculinity. ❤️
The day was filled with storytelling, cultural performances, traditional games, laughter, conversations, and so many happy moments. And yes, even the rain tried to join us, but it certainly couldn't stop the celebration! 🌧️❤️
What made this day even more special was that the community itself led the entire celebration. From the beautiful handmade decorations prepared by the women team to the dedicated support of our fathers and grandfathers, every little detail carried the care, creativity, and ownership of the people.
Watching everyone come together, celebrate one another, and proudly share what they have built reminded us of something very simple:
The sweetest harvest is not always the fruit we grow. Sometimes, it is the trust, friendship, confidence, and relationships we grow together. ❤️
And this Fhol Utsob was truly a beautiful harvest of all of those. 🍊
An ARC Initiative of Grow Your Reader supported by Global Fund for Children.