How To Celebrate a Green Diwali

Diwali is the festival of joy and togetherness. It symbolises the victory of good over evil. It is the day when Lord Ram came back with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshman from their 14-year exile. Since the people lit lamps on their path to welcome as well as show them the path, it is aptly considered a day of new beginnings.

The Diwali spirit is usually high when earthen lamps are lit, the Goddess of Prosperity and God of Knowledge are worshipped together, delicious treats are prepared, sweets are distributed, and houses and entryways are adorned with rainbow-coloured rangolis and bright flowers. But what attracts kids more is the bursting of crackers and the stunning fireworks.

It may be fun to do, but it can harm us and the environment. There are numerous dangers of bursting crackers: it pollutes the earth due to incessant smoke and loud noises; it can disturb kids and pets who are scared of the sound; senior citizens can become deaf and also have a higher risk of heart attack and there are chances of fire hazards too. Apart from that, an enormous amount of trash is generated with packaged sweets, snacks and single-use  decorations etc

So, this year’s Diwali can be a truly new beginning with a Diwali that is green in both letter and spirit. Here are some simple tips to make your Diwali special and eco-friendly in every aspect.

Décor and Celebration:

•  Use clay (earthen) diya instead of plastic fairy lights.
•  Use original flowers instead of opting for plastic flowers for decorations.
•  Make a rangoli using flowers, rice powder or natural colours.
•  Say no to any forms of crackers.

Food:

•   Make home-made sweets, which are great in taste minus the extra packaging.
•   Experiment with super foods like Millets.
•   Share sweets in reusable boxes / dabbas (containers).
•  Use reusable plates/plantains to serve food for guests and steel/glass tumblers for serving drinks.

Gifting:

•   Use paper bags, pretty fabrics, leaves, etc. for gifting or wrapping gifts
•   Give handmade cards and gifts.
•   Give a gift with life—for a lifetime—indoor plants or trees saplings
•   Exchange or gift books for sharing of unlimited joy

A Diwali bash without trash is possible. Let this Diwali be an occasion for mindful recharge and renewal. Let this be a restart—a new beginning for our lovely planet.

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