Collage cover designed by me with my photos.
Diwali, or the festival of lights, is an important festival in India when families and friends get together to celebrate.
Diwali is more important than ever before for small businesses this year. Since the last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on businesses around the world, including small businesses in India.
Many small businesses had suffered huge losses and were still struggling to survive. This is the time when we should stand and support them.
Photo 01 - kandeels or Diwali lanterns are at display in a shop.
Photo 02 - Other than Kandeels, many small items like diyas or Diwali lamps, colors for rangoli, pooja items etc. are also on sale. These are created and sold by local artisans.
Photo 03 - Few other shops are displaying the special schemes and discounts for the items at their shops.
There are many ways to support small businesses during Diwali. Here are a few suggestions:
Shop at small businesses:
Well, the simple and most effective way to support When you buy anything from these vendors, you are paying them directly, and that helps them support the family.
Buy festival gifts from local artisans:
Local artisans create beautiful and unique gifts and artworks such as diyas or Diwali lamps, kandeels or Diwali lanterns, colors for rangolis etc for Diwali. When you buy these from them, you are indirectly helping financially as well as preserving their traditional skills and cultures.
Order sweets from local shops:
Local sweet shops are another important part of the small business community during the Diwali festival. When you order sweets or Diwali special foods like chivdas, chaklis, and many other special Diwali items from local vendors, shops, or even restaurants, you are helping to support the chefs, servers, and delivery personnel who rely on them for their livelihood; again, these will be more pocket friendly.
Support small businesses on Google Maps:
On Google Maps, you can add the business if it does not already exist and add the latest photos and reviews to support them, which is in my opinion, the least we can do.
You can also share a post here on the Connect platform or do a Vlog on YouTube. 
Here are some additional tips for supporting small businesses during Diwali:
- If you live in a society or community where you’ve got an enough space to organize a shopping festival or fair, then please do so and look for small businesses or even street vendors especially who do not have any shops or space to sell and encourage them to participate in those events, this is a great way to support them.
- Shop at small businesses that are located in your community: This is a great way to support local businesses and create good opportunities in your locality.
- Buy products that are made by the locals. This is an ideal way to support traditional craftsmen, cooks, and vendors for generations to come.
- Pay with cash, UPI (in India), or credit cards instead of debit cards or cheques. This will help to keep more money in the local economy.
- Leave positive reviews for small businesses that you support: This will help to attract other customers and boost their sales.
- For suggestions and corrections, directly interact with the vendors instead of mentioning it in the reviews.
By doing this in the least possible way, we are making a difference in the lives of these people. So shop, eat, and share the word! 
Cheers!
