Youth Incorporated Magazine

India is a country that comes together to celebrate all the festivals regardless of gender, race, background or religion. Be it celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid, Christmas or any other festival, the celebrations in the country always bring a sense of harmony, laughter and belonging. The same goes with the festival of Diwali also known as “the festival of lights”, with children getting Diwali vacations to family and friends gathering to celebrate in traditional Indian attire, doing poojas and celebrating each day following customs and rituals as well as enjoying what we love the most by savoring a variety of mouthwatering traditional snacks like besan ladoos, chivda, gujiyas, shankarpalli and more. In recent years as trends evolve and people’s mindset keeps shifting, sustainability becomes a priority for many. Many people are now celebrating festivals in eco-friendly ways, becoming more conscious of both environmental care and personal health. In this article, we guide you with ways to celebrate Diwali in an  ecofriendly way, embracing both tradition and sustainability.  

Ten Ways To Celebrate Diwali In An Eco Friendly Manner:

Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate Diwali while being mindful of the environment, with examples to help make each one more achievable and enjoyable:

1. Make Use of Organic Rangoli: Instead of using chemical-based colors, try creating rangolis with organic ingredients like turmeric, rice flour, flower petals, and pulses. These ingredients are eco-friendly and biodegradable. For example, use marigold petals, dried rose, and hibiscus flowers for vibrant colors, or choose powdered turmeric and rice flour for bright yellow and white designs. Organic rangolis are beautiful, safe for small children and pets, and support local farmers.

2. Ban the Use of Firecrackers: Firecrackers create a lot of air and noise pollution, affecting people, pets, and wildlife. Instead of bursting crackers, celebrate with friends and family through cultural activities, music, or storytelling. Some communities hold no-firecracker Diwali events, showcasing laser light shows or fire dance performances that are equally exciting. By avoiding crackers, you’re helping to protect the environment and supporting a healthier Diwali for everyone.

3. Opt for Eco-Friendly Gifts: Instead of giving gifts wrapped in plastic or synthetic materials, choose eco-friendly options like handmade soaps, plantable seed paper, bamboo toothbrushes, and potted plants. These sustainable items are meaningful and practical, reducing waste. For instance, you could gift a set of organic tea blends or artisanal honey jars, which are eco-conscious and support local artisans. A personalized message or handmade gift box can make them even more special.

4. Go Local: Support local artisans and vendors by purchasing handmade decor, clothes, and sweets instead of mass-produced goods. For instance, you could buy a clay diya set from a local potter or pick up handwoven saris from a nearby artisan. Not only does this help reduce your carbon footprint by minimizing shipping distances, but it also boosts local businesses and preserves traditional craftsmanship.

5. Use Biodegradable Packaging: Rather than plastic or glossy gift wraps, use biodegradable packaging like jute bags, recycled paper, or cloth bags for wrapping gifts. Reusable fabric furoshiki wraps or banana leaf wraps make beautiful and sustainable alternatives. You can even personalize the packaging by decorating with dried flowers or natural dyes, making each gift wrap unique and eco-friendly.

6. Make Use of Sustainable Diyas:
Choose diyas made of clay or earthenware instead of plastic ones, and opt for eco-friendly oils like mustard oil or ghee for lighting. Diyas made by local potters not only reduce plastic waste but also support small businesses. After Diwali, clay diyas can be reused, repurposed in gardening, or safely decomposed. This simple switch contributes to a waste-free celebration and a warm, rustic ambiance.

7. Promote Community Cleanups: Organize a post-Diwali cleanup drive with your neighbors to keep your surroundings clean and reduce waste buildup. Many people tend to leave debris and leftover cracker waste after the festivities, so organizing a community cleanup ensures a litter-free neighborhood. You can also use the opportunity to raise awareness about waste management and encourage eco-friendly practices among neighbors.

8. Go Green with Your Food Choices: Choose seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients for your Diwali feast to reduce your carbon footprint. For example, using locally grown pumpkins, lentils, and vegetables in your recipes supports farmers and minimizes the energy needed for food transportation. Opt for homemade sweets like coconut ladoos, made with organic coconut, jaggery, and fresh ingredients, rather than store-bought treats that often come in excessive plastic packaging.

9. Plant Trees: Make Diwali special by planting trees or gifting saplings to family and friends. You can plant a tree in your backyard or community space to symbolize new beginnings and a green future. Gifting saplings or small potted herbs also adds a unique touch to your gifts, as they symbolize growth and life. This tradition can be a yearly ritual that benefits the environment and holds sentimental value.

10. Encourage Energy Conservation: Diwali is a festival of lights, but that doesn’t mean you have to increase electricity usage. Use LED lights or solar-powered lamps to decorate your home, which are energy-efficient and reduce power consumption. If possible, opt for fewer but well-placed lights that create a beautiful, warm atmosphere without using too much energy. It’s an easy way to celebrate while being mindful of conserving resources.

In conclusion, celebrating Diwali in an eco-friendly way allows us to honor tradition while also protecting our environment and well-being. By adopting sustainable practices, we can create a festival that’s not only joyful but also mindful of the world around us. Let’s come together to make this Diwali a celebration of both light and responsibility, setting an example for future generations.