Organic Rangoli to green firecrackers: How eco-friendly Diwali is all the rage in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Diwali is a celebration of unity. But of late more and more people in Hyderabad are being mindful of noise and air pollution and the waste of resources that harm nature.

Diwali or Deepawali, the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of good over evil and all things right over wrong. It is a holiday observed by every Indian, regardless of creed, caste, or faith.

Here are a few ways to celebrate Diwali enthusiastically but without overburdening the city, keeping the concept of ‘Clean India, Green India’ in mind.

Lighting Diyas

Electricity is expensive, so many are now lighting the interiors of their houses with Diyas. They are organic and traditional. This is in line with what is believed to be the essence of Diwali and can also benefit those whose livelihood is dependent on making these clay diyas.

Change to LED

LED bulbs are more eco-friendly with higher efficiency than incandescent or fluorescent lighting because they use less energy, last longer in the natural environment, and can be used in various ways. LED lighting gives sparkle to outdoor and indoor areas. With the wide range of options, one can choose from, LED lights are energy efficient and do not produce any emissions.

Gift something handmade

Electronics and other gifts made from plastic could affect the environment after some time. Many choose a gift made from natural materials such as cloth or Jute Specially designed gifts for loved ones will be cherished forever. While giving Diwali gifts, many choose eco-friendly options. This could include gifts made from recycled materials, organic products, or plants. Even gift paper can be recycled.

Organic Rangoli

Instead of chemicals in rangoli, choose natural colors and flowers such as marigolds, roses, chrysanthemums, and leaves to create a unique rangoli, using Kumkum, turmeric, and coffee powder as coloring. These are not just green; they can also be easily disposed of by composting them afterward.

Giving back to the Community

Diwali is the time for giving light and joy light and joy. Many collect all the things they don’t use when they do the annual Diwali cleaning and then donate them to a charity, especially food and edible gifts. These are donated to homeless shelters with gifts of some green firecrackers and sweets.

Green Firecrackers

Many in our city now buy environmentally friendly crackers. They are made from recycled paper and cause less smoke pollution. This year, some crackers even have seeds in them.

Gift a plant

One of the easiest ways to stay environment-conscious is by planting some greenery around homes, especially Air-purifying plants. We need lots of trees to clean out the pollution, and plants also make great gifts for Diwali.

Donations to Green Organizations

A great way to celebrate Diwali is to donate to an environmental organization. This is a way to help protect the environment and make a difference for future generations. Instead of buying crackers, many donate towards animal and bird rescue, feeding stray cats and dogs and rescuing animals frightened by the sound of crackers.

Celebration by Prominent Citizens

This is how some prominent citizens of Secunderabad and Hyderabad plan to celebrate this year:

Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant, Padmashri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee and well known classical dancer pans to ceebrate this year like every previous year with “puja, sweets and Crackers.”

“We usually have a friends and family get together for Diwali the previous day. Every festival we prep the house which includes deep cleaning and making a Rangoli. This year Diwali we chose the Peacock theme, as it is our little grand daughters favourite.

"The day starts with Dosa and vada curry for breakfast. We make some homemade sweets too. The highlight of the day is lighting the Diyas and to have kids, parents and friends and bursting few green crackers” says Kalpana Ramesh Founder, Kaava Design Studio and The Rainwater Project.

"Over the past many years I have evolved by believing in the notion, worshiping nature is worshiping god and I love to celebrate Deepavali that’s one of my favourite Festival of Lights since childhood by saying ‘No’ to firecrackers that can be harmful to children and elderly, humans need to increase their circle of compassion towards other non-human animal species that co-exist.” says Sreecharan, climate optimist and vegan for the animal.

“Diwali, the festival of lights and flowers, holds a special place in my heart. Each year, I lovingly decorate my home with oil Diyas and vibrant flowers, embracing the warmth and beauty they bring. Growing up, my grandparents shared a tradition with us—this time of the year, with the highest number of mosquitoes, was perfect for burning certain crackers, like sparklers, to help reduce them. We followed that practice, but I have always been mindful to avoid crackers that cause noise pollution. For me, Diwali is about joy and light, not causing any inconvenience to others. One of the best parts of this festival is sharing sweets and gifts with loved ones, deepening the bonds of family and friendship,” says Meghana Musunuri, Founder and Chairperson Fountainhead Global School.

“We usually celebrate in a simple way with fresh marigold and mango leaves for decoration. We Light a very few earthen lamps. Pheni with milk and sugar is a must have and we say no to crackers” says Manognya Reddy, Principal project manager, oracle India

“Just a few simple diyas and solar lights, distribution of plants to neighbours in lieu of sweets, we stay indoors and not venture out to see the lights in other homes, like we used to do earlier; it is too dangerous with kids lighting crackers on roads as we concretize even the hitherto open, green Secunderabad,” says Lekha Shista, Talent Strategist and Business advisor.

Hamsini Murthy, Spiritual Wellness Coach says, “I fill my house with water candles with cloves, orange peels and cinnamon creating a warm environment for visitors. For the puja and outdoors, we use traditional brass and sesame oil. I find this a wonderful time to create new batches of citrus enzymes (so many oranges in the market), they will be ready by December-January. I wrap all Diwali gifts with blouse pieces that I received during Varalakshmi and Dusshera celebrations. They look festive and the blouse pieces get recycled.”