Eco-friendly diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights and goodwill goes much beyond the rich celebrations it is normally associated with. With environment consciousness sweeping across the country, the go green mantra is echoed with equal excitement during this festive season. From organic food to low calorie sweets and an anti cracker stance, festivities have touched upon a new note of consciousness. It’s not so much about the razzmatazz involved but going simple with one’s sensibilities.
Priya Zutshi, communication manager, CRY, says that they work with several NGOs across the country to ensure that children are rescued from factories that encourage child labour. They also have an ongoing effort at the Sivakasi factories in Tamil Nadu. “We make sure that villages are made self sufficient so that children don’t feel the need to support their families. We have volunteer groups who constantly monitor the situation in cities like Mumbai and there is a constant dialogue between the volunteers and schools,” says Zutshi. CRY also manufactures eco-friendly products made out of paper mache like diaries, penholders and many other gift items that are a rage during Diwali.
Over the years with constant awareness the level of noise pollution has drastically gone down. Schools across the city do their bit to spread the message of limiting the use of firecrackers and educate children about different ways of celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali. Swati Vats, president of Podar Education Group says that they have a Diwali mela every year where they conduct fun activities for children, which teach them eco-friendly activities. “We restrict the use of chemical-based powders for Rangoli. Even the kandils are made out of paper and not thermacol and plastic. With a puppet show which promotes an anti-cracker drive, we ask children to promise and pledge that they won’t burst crackers,” says Vats. “We want to tell them that festivals aren’t about a flamboyant display of wealth. It’s more about going back to our roots and traditions,” she adds.
It’s not just about keeping the environment green during the festive season, but also adopting a more holistic approach to the eco-friendly mantra. Jasleen Nagpal, business analyst, celebrates Diwali by keeping things simple. “I light diyas and avoid those shimmery electronic lights. I have been following this practice for nearly 15 years now. And I hate bursting crackers because I feel they are a sheer wastage of money,” she adds.
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