The Eera Nenjam charity organisation gave a festival treat to nearly 25 beggars, who are based near the Government Hospital here, by sprucing them up with haircuts and new clothes for Diwali.

Social activist Mahendran, a resident of Sivananda Colony in the city, along with his friends, sought out beggars, mostly elders, and gave them neat hair cuts, and in some cases tonsured their heads. They were also given baths, gifted new clothes and sweet packets. The beggars were overjoyed by the treats.

“My friends and I have been doing this for the last few years and will continue to do so in the coming years,” Mahendran said.