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Diwali is a time of excitement and celebration. But, we tend to go overboard with these celebrations putting the delicate environmental balance and people and animal’s health at risk.

This year, with the ban on foreign crackers and goods, we have a good reason to shun all detrimental ways of celebrating Diwali and go for a greener, safer and more sustainable Diwali that is enjoyable for all.

Here are some ways to substitute the harmful with the good and the homemade this Diwali:

Earthen diyas instead of candles and lights

This Diwali, replace the harmful and the foreign candles and fancy lights with indigenous, handmade oil diyas. These will help you embrace the true spirit of the festival in the best way.

While burning candles emit harmful gases and fancy, foreign lights are a strain on the electricity supply, these earthen diyas provide bread to poor Indian craftsmen.

Moreover, you can learn to make DIY diyas of your own for more self-involvement and to same money. You can also make over DIY decorations instead of buying expensive, foreign stuff from the market.

Biodegradable rangoli

Rangolis were originally meant as a way to share with birds and animals. They used to be made with rice, pulses and other natural ingredients. Over time, even this has lost its essence with harmful colors dominating.

This Diwali, go back to the original way of making rangoli by using pulse, rice, turmeric and other herms. You can also use flowers like chrysanthemum, roses, lotus, and some leaves to brighten it further.

These will make for a safer rangoli not plagued by harmful colours from the market and will be easier to clean too.

Give what is not needed

All festive spirit is that of giving and sharing. This Diwali, de-clutter your life while brightening those of others.

Take out all that is not needed and donated to the needy. This way, you won’t just brighten your home but the lives of others.

You can do this by simply donating to anyone you see in need, or specifically approaching NGOs that take donations in order to allocate those in need.

Greener gifts wrapped in paper wrapping

This Diwali, shun the same old, store bought, expensive gifts that lack any character. Instead, opt for greener gifts like plants, feng-shui and bonsai that make for greener gifts.

Further, you also gift something more usable or handmade.

Lastly, say no to plastic wrappings that are harder to dispose and a nuisance to the environment by wrapping your gifts in paper packaging.

Greener crackers

Those crackers should be shunned completely, but it is understandable that it is a gradual process and can’t be undertaken once and for all. So, opt for eco-friendly crackers that are made from recycled paper.

These emit less pollutants while producing light and sound. Though, these might be a little expensive, they are much safer and better for the health for our loved ones, specially the elders and pets.

Festive treats in a greener way

Say no to fancy sweet packaging this Diwali. Instead, present friends and family with homemade sweets and dishes.

Yet, if you have to present people with store-bought sweets, make sure to lessen on the unnecessary and hard-to-dispose packaging by reusing them or making your own.

Collective celebration

Lastly, the best way to celebrate any festival is together. So, gather friends and family at one place to celebrate the festival in a warmer, sustainable and cost-effective way. You can have a bonfire, or a small firework display with the whole community joining and chipping in so that it isn’t too hard on anyone’s pockets while everyone can enjoy together.

Bringing people to one place will ensure that there is just one place of action and only that needs to be decorated, saving on costs and wastefulness. Further, it will bring people closer.

We hope we can all adopt at least few of these greener practices this Diwali and spread and enjoy the festive spirit. If you can think of other innovative ways to go green, do tell us in the comments below.

Have a bright, happy and safe Diwali!