St. Jude supporter Arsh Pal embraces Diwali with acts of kindness
Fourteen-year-old celebrates Diwali in November and embodies its spirit of giving and compassion year-round.
October 17, 2024 • 2 min
In Chicago, as the new moon rises, Arsh Pal’s home becomes a sanctuary of light. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is more than a celebration — it’s a testament to the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.
For 14-year-old Arsh, who is a St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® supporter, it’s a tapestry of memories and traditions woven with care.
Weeks before the festival, the Pal household is a flurry of activity. Every corner is scrubbed clean, and vibrant rangoli designs of geometric and floral patterns bloom at the entrance, welcoming all who enter.
Diwali makes me feel excited and gives me a feeling of gathering. We enjoy decorating the house, family visits, dressing up in traditional attire, laughter and love, along with the sense of giving to the needy people.” — Arsh Pal, St. Jude supporter
On Diwali, the flicker of candles and diya lamps cast a warm, golden glow. The air is thick with the scent of samosas, gulab jamun and other snacks and sweets, each dish a testament to the family’s culinary heritage.
“Diwali makes me feel excited and a feeling of gathering,” Arsh said. “We enjoy decorating the house, family visits, dressing up in traditional attire, laughter and love, along with the sense of giving to the needy people.”
As night falls, the family gathers for prayers, seeking blessings for health, wealth and prosperity. The pinnacle of the evening is the fireworks display. Arsh and his friends light up the Chicago sky, each burst of color a celebration of life and community.
Yet, beyond the festivities, Diwali embodies a spirit of giving — a spirit that Arsh embodies every single day of the year.
Arsh, a gifted painter, channels his creativity into a compassionate mission. His beautiful paintings find eager buyers, and the proceeds flow directly to charitable causes, including St. Jude.
Arsh Pal sells his painting to support St. Jude kids.
“I decided to donate the money to St. Jude because St. Jude is run with donations, and it helps kids with cancer, so that really stood out to me,” he explained.
Arsh’s vibrant paintings have become beacons of hope for children battling serious illnesses.
This generous act encapsulates the essence of Diwali — spreading light and hope to those in need.
