Home › infotainment › #Let’s celebrate Diwali#

#Let’s celebrate Diwali#

By vermavkv on October 24, 2022 • ( 29 )

Friends,

India is a land of festivals that weave into the religious and cultural scene of the country. One such festival is Diwali, which marks the victory of good over evil and commemorates the time when Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana.

Yes, Diwali is an important festival for Hindus around the world.

Lord Rama return to his kingdom, Ayodhya, after an exile period of 14 years. The people of Ayodhya lit the city brightly and welcomed Sri Ram, Lakshman, and Maa Sita by firing crackers.

Diwali festival is also believed to be the symbol of Maa Lakshmi coming home. We, therefore, celebrate the Diwali festival by lighting many Diyas(clay lamps) around our homes.

Significance and Importance of 3 Days of Diwali:

Diwali celebrations go on for three days and each day has its significance.

Dhanteras :

Diwali begins with the first day known as ‘Dhanteras’ (the worship of wealth). Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day and there is a custom to purchase something precious. We purchased a silver coin on this occasion.

Chhoti Diwali :

The second day is Chhoti Diwali, also called Naraka Chaturdashi. We wake up early in the morning and apply aromatic oils before taking a bath. This is said that it removes all sins and impurities. We wear new clothes, offer Puja and enjoy by lighting diyas and bursting a few crackers.

Lakshmi Puja :

On the third day, we celebrate the main Diwali festival. Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening on this day. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi enters our homes and blesses us with good fortune. Tiny oil diyas, candles, and electric lights are placed around the house. We exchange gifts and sweets with other families.

In the evening, we gather to burst crackers. I remember the days of my childhood. Diwali was the most fascinating festival for us. We used to display/crack lots of fireworks during Diwali with all my friends and share sweets.

Now, the situation is different. We are suffering from air pollution at a dangerous level. It should be kept in mind so as to not create noise and air pollution which can harm pollute the environment.

In my opinion, It is unnecessary to light crackers to celebrate Diwali. Diyas are enough. It gives a beautiful look to our home.

If we want to stop people from doing something wasteful, we should present our arguments in a respectable and polite manner not in a harsh manner because the festival is the occasion to show our brotherhood.

I am now too old to burst crackers. And I do not like it, anyway.

Ways to make Diwali Eco-Friendly :

We celebrate Diwali to mark the victory of good over evil and the time when Lord Rama achieved victory over Ravana.

Today, there is no greater evil than pollution which is disturbing the entire ecological balance of our country.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) shows how air pollution levels take a leap from moderate to very poor levels during the night after Diwali, signaling even higher pollution levels, and endangering our health, owing to poor air quality.

The ‘Festival of Lights’ also generates enormous amounts of noise, and air, and plastic pollution.

We as responsible citizens need to commit ourselves to ensure proper discipline during the festival. Let’s commit ourselves to celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali.

We vow to celebrate a green Diwali this year:

Natural colors for Rangoli:

Rangoli forms an essential part of Diwali which not only adds to the festive fervor but signifies the importance of how colors can brighten up the festival.

Most importantly, We should try to follow the natural colors which were mostly used by our elder generation. Colors can be used from rice powder, paste, coffee, tea, turmeric powder, flowers, leaves, and so on

Say No to Crackers:

As joyous as it is for everyone to see the sky full of beautiful lights and patterns, it is equally hazardous. The Nitrous Oxide emitted from these crackers settles in the air and only disperses with strong winds. The adverse effects of burning crackers seem unending.

Let’s do an eco-friendly celebration with no crackers which are expected to reduce pollution by 30-40 per cent. This will also reduce the chances of respiratory problems which usually witnesses a steep rise after Diwali.

Go for Clay diyas:

Instead of opting for plastic diyas or candles go for clay diyas which use oil for producing light. This will not only help the environment but also the potters whose livelihood depends on clay products and look up to Diwali with eyes full of expectations.

Not only do they come in beautiful patterns and shapes but these diyas can be used year after year; they also get easily decomposed. Thus, the result of being in harmony with Mother Earth is well worth the effort. Let’s save the environment and save our pockets too.

May the light of diyas fill your home with wealth, happiness, and success that brings you joy! Wish your entire family a very Happy Diwali!