MANGALURU: This Diwali, a group of women artisans from Mangaluru are celebrating the festival of lights by spreading warmth in more ways than one. The Needlework and Craft Circle, a vibrant community of 198 members led by Sabrina Britto Hougaard, has turned their passion for handmade art into a powerful tool for empowerment — by helping a young woman become a self-reliant seamstress.

The group’s Diwali craft sale, featuring intricate crochet decorations such as diyas, doilies, buntings, keychains, coasters, and pouches, is more than a festive display — it’s an act of compassion and creativity.
“All our items are handmade. Every rupee from the Diwali sale will go toward helping a young woman become a self-reliant seamstress,” said Sabrina.

A festival of giving

What makes the initiative truly remarkable is that the project came together without spending a single rupee. The yarn was generously donated by Cecillia Sreshta and Sabrina, while around 14 women contributed their time, skills, and artistry to bring the creations to life.

The Circle, open to residents of Mangaluru, brings together women aged 17 to 70, united by their love for needlework, creativity, and social contribution. “Encourage handwork. Keep exclusive handmade things in your homes as each piece carries a story, a blessing, and a prayer,” Sabrina added. “Through our work, we are also keeping the tailoring profession alive.”

The group has also reminded buyers to use battery-operated candles with crochet diyas and avoid open flames to ensure safety while celebrating sustainably.

Crafting community and creativity

Member Veena Amrith shared that the group’s festive collection includes diyas, doilies, bellflowers, buntings, goodudeepas, keychains, pouches, coasters, and doily runners — all made from vibrant, eco-friendly yarns.

The sale, which began a few weeks ago, has already drawn strong community interest and will continue until Christmas, with new, innovative creations expected to be added over time.

“The sale is not only about celebrating Diwali, but also about showcasing what women can achieve together — one stitch at a time,” said Veena.

A journey of compassion since 2020

The spirit of giving within the Needlework and Craft Circle traces back to 2020, when members began knitting scarves for soldiers during the pandemic. Since then, their acts of kindness have reached far and wide.

The group has distributed over 2,500 handmade toys to children battling cancer at KMC Hospital, young patients at Wenlock District Hospital, and students in Kannada-medium schools. They have also extended their generosity beyond Karnataka, sending handmade and pre-loved items to Odisha and North Karnataka, and even 500 skullcaps to Buddhist monks in Laos.

Currently, the women are working on crochet and quilted blankets, along with baby dresses and accessories, many of which have already reached families in Coorg. The proceeds from their ongoing projects are dedicated to educating and training at least two young girls in tailoring, helping them secure a livelihood and independence.

Weaving hope and heritage

Through their art, the members of the Needlework and Craft Circle are not only reviving traditional crafts but also weaving hope, purpose, and empowerment into the fabric of their community. Their Diwali initiative stands as a shining example of how creativity and compassion can come together to light up lives — both literally and figuratively.