People who are away from home start feeling homesick as Diwali approaches. But I never got leave from office, the tickets became too expensive or I had to stay at my in-laws’ house. Whatever may be the reason, if you are not able to go home, it is natural to feel uneasy in your mind. On the other hand, mom and dad will also say, no problem son, but they will also see an empty room while lighting the lamps. However, if you want, you can save his Diwali Celebration from being lonely by staying away. So let’s know about this-
How common is loneliness among the elderly?
The World Health Organization reported in its June 2025 report that up to one in three elderly people in the world may be experiencing social isolation, and those who feel lonely are twice as likely to develop depression. In a study based on data from the largest survey of elderly people in India, 13.4 percent of people above 60 years of age said that they often feel lonely.
video call during puja
Video calling can be a good way for you and your parents to not miss each other. On Diwali evening, everyone’s phones remain busy and the network also becomes weak. Therefore, decide a day or two in advance that you will connect on video call at the time of Lakshmi Puja. This time Lakshmi Puja is on Sunday, 8th November. If parents have trouble setting up the phone, ask a neighbor or relative who lives nearby to place the phone on a stand.
send a gift that works
Even if you are away from home, you can still take good care of your parents. A box of sweets is nice, but this time think about what they really need. Maybe Diwali cleaning is the biggest burden for them. Send someone to clean the house, or get lamps, flowers and puja items delivered to their home from a nearby shop. Keep a handwritten letter or small note along with the gift.
Connect with someone nearby
You can’t handle everything sitting at a distance. Ask a trusted neighbour, aunt, uncle or friend of the parents to come to their house for a while on Diwali evening. If you have a friend in the city, she can also bring sweets.
tell the date of the next meeting

Often we tell mom and dad that we will come next time and they also become silent. But instead of saying this, fix a date, like I am coming during children’s holidays in December. If tickets can be booked, do so now and let them know.
don’t blame yourself too
The guilt of not being able to go home sometimes takes away the joy of the festival. Celebrate Diwali wherever you are and send its pictures to your parents. He would love to see that his daughter is happy.
FAQ
How to save parents from loneliness by staying away?
Make video calls during puja time, arrange for puja items or cleaning at their home and request neighbors or relatives to sit with them for a while.
Is it important to get over the guilt of not being able to go home on Diwali?
Yes, holding a grudge not only affects your health but also troubles your parents. Celebrate the festival happily wherever you are and share photos.
What can be the best Diwali gift for parents?
Instead of sweets, things related to their everyday comforts like help in cleaning the house, puja materials or an emotional handwritten note make the best gifts.
How to deal with network problem during video call?
The network may become weak due to traffic on the evening of Diwali, so decide the time of puja a day in advance and keep Wi-Fi or alternative means ready.