This is the most silent run-up to Diwali that I have experienced in recent years – the constant sound of bursting crackers is significantly lessened or even absent this year. Perhaps the same is true for you as well; particularly if you live in and around the NCR area. Either people are respecting the firecracker sale ban issued by the Supreme Court or have become conscious of the negative impact of firecrackers pollution levels and health and are self regulating. So is it possible to have a safe, peaceful, quite but enjoyable Diwali?
By his own account, the Environment Minster Harsh Vardhan has issued a firmaan to scientists to develop zero-pollution firecrackers. Now this may sound as paradoxical as telling an engineer to create an edifice without bricks, but it is a worthy if improbable wish. While pollution free firecrackers may or may not be invented in the dim and distant future, what can you do now to add sparkle to your Diwali this year?
Instead of buying your diyas, lanterns and candles from a supermarket, buy these directly from the artisans who actually make them, if you have access. Give them direct business and save yourself some money!
If you’ve decided to honour the ban or have decided to voluntarily refrain from bursting crackers, you will save yourself a lot of money – typically between Rs 500 and Rs 5000 – which would normally be a middle class Indian’s cracker budget. Why not donate that money to a local school for the differently-abled, distribute sweets in a local jhuggi or basti, buy books for a public library or sponsor a child’s education – perhaps a child of your domestic help?
Use your time well when it is the festive season – visit and spend time with those who mean something or those whom your visit will mean something to. An aged aunt, the family of a junior at work, the home of an employee, relatives or friends you have not been able to make time for, for a while…rather than spend time making ‘duty’ visits and being seen at all the right places, make your festival worthwhile and meaningful.
Rather than the ubiquitous mithai and chocolates, consider gifting potted plants or tree saplings or choose items that are made from recycled items, things that are handmade by local artisans such as decorative items, planters, pots, herbal toiletries and so on... give a thought to what the receiver may need or appreciate.
Light earthen ware diyas and eschew the ‘ladis’ – save some electricity! Besides, they are most likely Chinese made anyway! And if you must have lights, choose good quality LED lights that use less electricity and last for several years.
Make rangoli using grain or powdered grain and/or fresh flower petals. When you buy new clothes, try to opt for natural fibers with natural dyes. In the end, remember, it’s all about spending time with family and good friends, a memorable time that you can cherish and remember fondly and which pass on worthwhile values to children.
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