Sweet Rebellion: Factory Workers Dump Soan Papdi to Protest Missing Diwali Bonus

In a dramatic and symbolic protest that has since gone viral on social media, a group of factory workers dumped boxes of Soan Papdi — the quintessential Indian Diwali sweet — at the gates of their factory to express anger over the denial of their annual Diwali bonus.

The incident took place earlier this week at a manufacturing unit in [City/State – insert if known], where dozens of employees gathered outside the factory premises carrying boxes of the flaky, sugary treat. Rather than taking the sweets home as part of festive celebrations, the workers hurled the boxes at the entrance in unison, chanting slogans and demanding justice.

According to the protesting employees, the factory management had traditionally provided a Diwali bonus every year, a gesture deeply valued by workers, many of whom rely on it for seasonal expenses. This year, however, the bonus was reportedly replaced with boxes of Soan Papdi — a move the workers saw as both inadequate and disrespectful.

“We don’t want sweets, we want what is rightfully ours,” said one worker, whose video statement has been widely shared online. “They gave us Soan Papdi and expected us to celebrate Diwali with that. This is not a gift — it’s an insult.”

The use of Soan Papdi in the protest added a layer of irony, as the sweet is often joked about on social media as the most "re-gifted" and least-consumed item during Diwali. Netizens were quick to latch onto the symbolism, with many praising the workers for their creative — and relatable — form of protest. Memes and hashtags such as #SoanPapdiProtest and #BonusNotBakshish quickly began trending.

While some online found humor in the situation, labor rights activists highlighted the deeper concerns reflected in the protest.

“This isn’t just about Soan Papdi,” said a representative from a local trade union. “This is about the erosion of workers’ rights and dignity. Replacing monetary bonuses with token gestures sets a dangerous precedent, especially when inflation is high and families are struggling.”

In response to the backlash, the factory management issued a brief statement claiming the company was facing “financial constraints” this year but was “committed to supporting its employees in every way possible.” No mention was made of any plans to reinstate the bonus.

As Diwali approaches, the sweet — once a symbol of festivity — has now become a symbol of defiance. For many workers across the country, this protest serves as a bold reminder that symbolic gestures cannot replace fair compensation.