Celebrate eco-friendly Diwali, say residents

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, November 9

Every year, along with the Diwali festivities comes green pledges. The focus seems to be on replacing the noisy celebrations with lights, colour and nature. The guilt of adding to the already smogged environment by bursting crackers is too much to digest for a few eco-friendly residents. So, the message of green Diwali is loud and clear.

“Diwali is not just about busting crackers as it has become a belief during the past few years. It’s about celebrating and sharing happiness with family and friends. So, lighting diyas, drawing colourful rangolis, decorating the house and neighbourhood, besides gorging on sweets can be more fun. Isn’t that a celebration?” asks Chandan Nagi, a resident of the Ranjit Avenue.

Several NGOs like Mission Aghaaz, VOA, Dilbir Foundation have given out a message of green and safe Diwali celebrations. According to Preet Arora, a student of Guru Nanak Dev University, the message has been received well. She says, “I am distributing plants as Diwali gifts among my family and friends this time. The significance of Diwali celebrations is to clean up all the negativity and filth from our lives and homes and make everything shine. Bursting crackers is one thing, but the mess they leave behind is a cause of concern. So, this way I can enjoy the festival without feeling bad about it the next day.”

The sale of crackers has been dismal this year owing to several reasons, which also includes the people becoming more conscious about the environment. “Firecrackers too come with greener options as there is a lot of opposition to the bursting of crackers, besides the people have become eco-conscious. Crackers which burst in the sky emit less smoke and are becoming more popular,” says Pratap Singh, a firecracker trader at Ranjit Avenue market.

A word from eco-conscious people in city

Deepak Babbar from Mission Aghaaz says, “In most countries people use light and sound to celebrate and cut down on pollution that comes from fireworks. I believe we can follow their footsteps, which will make Diwali brighter. Eco-friendly crackers is a concept born out of the awareness of the people. We have been promoting green and healthy Diwali in schools with a message “Annar khao, jalao nahi”. I will say it’s a positive step towards green and clean Diwali.”

Gunbir Singh, from Dilbir Foundation, also has a message for green Diwali. He says, “It’s a festival to enjoy, pray and spread cheer. Blowing up money and spreading pollution must be substituted by philanthropy. Donate money used to buy crackers to the people in need and let Godess Lakshmi light up more homes instead.”

Seenu Arora, Voice of Amritsar, says, “Opt for traditional diyas as it signifies end of negativity. Do not burn crackers. Instead celebrate with family and friends by indulging in fun and exciting activities.”