Watch Now: Diwali Celebrations With Rescued Animals at PETA-Supported Sanctuaries

For Diwali, Animal Rahat, a PETA-supported organisation that helps some of the most neglected animals – bullocks, donkeys, and other working animals – in India, is releasing a joyous video that shows its tradition of including animals in national celebrations. Watch now:

The video – shot at Animal Rahat’s sanctuaries in the Indian states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal – starts as colourful fruits and fresh vegetables are chopped and set out in heart-shaped designs for camels, bulls, dogs, horses, goats, chickens, and other rescued animals, who had a hard life before but now wear marigold garlands and show their delight as they enjoy the tantalising feast.

Who Are These Animals?

The animals at PETA-supported Animal Rahat’s sanctuaries have been rescued by the group or PETA India from terrible situations, such as being experimented on in laboratories, raised for slaughter, forced to perform in circuses, or used to haul heavy loads of steel or sugarcane.

But at Animal Rahat sanctuaries, the safety, comfort, and happiness of rescued animals are paramount. During this celebration, the group lights up the animals’ lives and you can see happiness in their eyes.

Animal Rahat’s sanctuaries are located in secluded areas away from fireworks and other loud sounds, but animals in cities and towns aren’t so lucky. PETA and Animal Rahat encourage Diwali celebrants to use quiet sparklers or diyas instead of loud fireworks, which terrify animals and cause many to become hurt or lost as they flee their homes and neighbourhoods.

What You Can Do

For more information about Animal Rahat and to support its life-saving work, please visit AnimalRahat.com.