While homes across India gleamed with the glow of Diwali on October 31, bringing families and friends together, some experienced the festival in a much different way. For Ritik Tomar, a part-time delivery agent with Zomato in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Diwali meant being on the roads, fulfilling food orders for those celebrating with loved ones. Ritik shared a glimpse of his night on an Instagram reel that quickly resonated online, amassing over 5.5 million views and capturing the hearts of viewers nationwide.

Ritik began his shift at 5 PM, showcasing the lively, illuminated streets as he cycled from one delivery to the next. His reel documented not only the orders but also the festive surroundings he passed, adorned with decorations and lights. His first delivery of the evening earned him Rs 40, and by the end of his shift at 11 PM, he had completed eight deliveries, totaling approximately Rs 316. As viewers watched his journey, many were moved by the reality of frontline workers who keep services running even during major holidays.

The comments section was flooded with empathy, recognition, and encouragement. One user shared a heartfelt reflection: “At Diwali, I was standing on the balcony thinking about my life…suddenly a Zomato delivery boy on a bicycle came to our neighbor’s house to deliver. Everyone is celebrating while some are struggling just to get meals.”

Another user wrote, “That’s why I always make sure to tip them 101 on their personal QR. It’s not common for people to tip during the festive season, and it breaks my heart how numb we’ve become as a society. Agar khana order karne k paise hai to tipping k bhi rakho (If you can afford to order food, you should have something for the tip as well).”

Supportive comments poured in from others as well: “Mehnat krte rho bhai tumhara success bhi hm yhi dekhenge (Keep up the hard work brother. We will also witness your success here),” one person encouraged, while another added, “More power to you bhai…may you celebrate your next Diwali with your family.” Another viewer wrote, “Good days are coming brother, hold up there.”

But the video also ignited some criticism of Zomato, with one viewer pointing out, “You people should at least have little humanity…it was a festival for them too, at least on Diwali you could have given them double pay on each order….”

Through Ritik’s lens, his story has opened a window to the lives of countless delivery agents who work tirelessly, often sacrificing time with their families. The reel serves as a reminder to appreciate and acknowledge the hard work of those who help make festivals convenient for others, and it has sparked conversations about tipping culture, empathy, and support for frontline workers, especially during the festive season.