Green concern: Say no to crackers this Diwali

LUDHIANA: Diwali is a festival of lights and not crackers. That is what volunteers of EcoSikh movement have been attempting to convince residents to celebrate Green Diwali. They are spreading the message among the people to shun crackers and take the festival as an opportunity to reconnect with family. Volunteers say, “The people must rejoice together rather that wasting time and money on crackers.”

Children participate in a campaign by EcoSikh for celebrating Green Diwali. A Tribune photograph

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 14

Diwali is a festival of lights and not crackers. That is what volunteers of EcoSikh movement have been attempting to convince residents to celebrate Green Diwali. They are spreading the message among the people to shun crackers and take the festival as an opportunity to reconnect with family. Volunteers say, “The people must rejoice together rather that wasting time and money on crackers.”

Speaking about the initiative, Ravneet Singh from EcoSikh, a city-based NGO, said, “We are campaigning with six points as people need to switch over to values and old ways of celebrating Diwali to bring back the greater joy that is associated with the festival.”

“In fact, not only should people give up on crackers, but they must avoid using electric bulbs, as good old diyas and limited number of candles per family are sufficient for celebrations,” he added.

“We see that even at religious places, people light up so many candles, only adding to the pollution. They should light only one candle per family at temples and gurdwaras,” he said.

“Because of the busy life schedule these days, Diwali and festivals are the time to reconnect with family. That is why people should rather celebrate the festival by having a good time together,” he added.

“It is ironical that people spend time buying gifts and crackers, instead of doing more important things. There is a need to reduce consumerism also because to celebrate a family needs members and not products,” he said. “It is important that instead of celebrating individually, a communist celebration of the festival should be held, which is more economical and less harmful to the environment,” he added.

“EcoSikh is also campaigning for switching over to organic Rangoli on Diwali by using flowers, petals, rice and pulses instead of chemicals or synthetic colours,” he said.

“Several volunteers of the NGO are campaigning for making Diwali environment friendly. Residents of the city are being sensitised on issues related to pollution. They are also being convinced to become a part of this movement,” he added.