Celebrating Diwali in a Green Fashion in 2021
As we transition into the festive season, the celebration of Diwali takes center stage in many households. This year, I chose to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly manner, focusing on reducing waste and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Here’s how I managed to incorporate green practices into my Diwali preparations.
Switching to Eco-Friendly Elements
Traditionally, Diwali is marked by numerous firecrackers and wasteful practices. However, this year, I made a conscious decision to go green by using only eco-friendly alternatives:
Paper Fireworks: I used paper fireworks from Sivakasi, which is renowned for its paper products. They are recyclable and do not pose the same environmental impact as plastic or chemical-based firecrackers. Moreover, the money spent on fireworks could have been better used in donating to those in need.
Natural Hair Cleansing: For my beauty routine, I opted for an oil bath with no commercial shampoos or chemicals. Instead, I used pure oil and natural products like shikakai, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
Festive Feasts and Waste Management
The joy of Diwali also lies in the feast that follows. This year, I focused on a vegetarian menu as it is considered the greenest option, aligning with sustainable practices. The spread included a grand feast of vegetarian dishes, such as puliharam (tamarind rice), which was served on a banana leaf. Utilizing a banana leaf for serving not only reduces waste but also preserves the natural beauty of the region.
Traditional Rangolis and Cow Worship
During Diwali, the art of making rangolis is a traditional practice. This year, my wife and kids created intricate designs using rice flour, which attracted ants and was naturally consumed by them. This not only added to the festive ambiance but also emphasized the importance of sustainability.
Additionally, the day of Govardhan Puja and Cow Worship was celebrated. We visited a local farm and engaged in massages and feeding of cows with bananas. We performed arati to the cows using handmade steel paraphernalia, ensuring minimal waste and maximizing eco-friendliness.
Sharing Prasadam and Community Engagement
To share the joy of Diwali with the community, prasadam was distributed. The prasadam was served in donna cups, a reusable and eco-friendly option. This not only minimized waste but also aligned with the principles of sustainability promoted by the shastras.
Minimizing Environmental Impact
This celebration was not just confined to the house. We also refrained from using air conditioners, which reduced the emission of CFCs. Furthermore, the stories from the scriptures, such as the tales of Sri Rama and Lord Krishna, were retold to my kids, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and reducing noise pollution by avoiding the use of loudspeakers.
Scriptural Injunctions and Lord Krishna’s Teachings
As Lord Krishna himself warned in the Bhagavad Gita 16.23, one should adhere to the scriptural injunctions rather than act according to personal whims. These teachings highlight the importance of environmental consciousness and sustainable practices.
Additional Initiatives and Call to Action
While celebrating Diwali, it is essential to be aware of the hidden propaganda surrounding this festival. As an environmental advocate, I encourage everyone to be conscious of their actions and to support genuine eco-friendly practices.
I also recommend watching a video I recently created on YouTube to address the hidden propaganda, which I believe is spreading through misinformation about Diwali.
Let us celebrate Diwali in a manner that promotes sustainability and reduces our carbon footprint. This is not just a personal choice but a responsibility towards our planet.