| Lights, Luxury and Lost value: The Commercial Takeover of Diwali | | | Omkar Dattatray
The festival of lights, sweets, and joy—Diwali—India’s most cherished and exuberant celebration, is once again around the corner. It is a time that symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Streets are adorned with decorations, homes are illuminated, and markets brim with the festive spirit. However, amid this grandeur, there lies a growing need for introspection. With the ever-increasing menace of pollution and the mounting threat of global warming, it is imperative to pause for a moment and ask ourselves—is our manner of celebrating Diwali truly worth the cost to our environment? Over time, the very essence of Diwali seems to have drifted away from its spiritual and cultural roots. What was once a festival of earthen lamps, homemade sweets, and togetherness has now, unfortunately, become synonymous with noise, smoke, and extravagant indulgence. The deafening sound of firecrackers and the haze of pollution that envelops our cities in the aftermath of celebrations have turned what was meant to be a festival of purity and light into an environmental hazard. This transformation demands a change in our mindset, urging us to embrace a green and eco-friendly Diwali, not just as a choice but as a moral responsibility.
Green Diwali, in its simplest sense, means celebrating the festival with minimal harm to the environment. Firecrackers, though considered symbolic of celebration, release an enormous amount of toxic gases that pollute the air and aggravate health conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. During Diwali, pollution levels often surge to alarming heights, making it difficult for even healthy individuals to breathe easily. Therefore, adopting an eco-conscious approach is not merely an act of environmental preservation—it is an act of compassion towards our fellow citizens and the planet we inhabit. Diwali holds profound religious and cultural significance across various Indian faiths. For Hindus, it marks the return of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, and Laxman to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile and the victory over the demon king Ravana. Jains commemorate it as the day when Lord Mahavira attained nirvana, Sikhs celebrate it as Bandi Chhor Divas, and Buddhists of the Newar community observe it as a festival of spiritual awakening. Despite these diverse interpretations, the core essence remains unchanged—the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Over centuries, Diwali has transcended religious boundaries and evolved into a universal celebration of hope, joy, and renewal.
However, in our zeal to celebrate, we must not overlook the repercussions of our actions. Excessive lighting, bursting of crackers, and rampant use of plastic decorations cause irreversible damage to nature. The true spirit of Diwali lies not in extravagance but in purity, simplicity, and compassion. Thus, celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali is both a tribute to tradition and a commitment to the future. There are numerous ways to make our Diwali greener without diminishing its charm. To begin with, we can return to the traditional practice of lighting earthen diyas instead of electric bulbs. Diyas not only add a warm, aesthetic glow but also support local potters whose livelihood depends on their sale. Unlike electric lights, they are cost-effective and sustainable, consuming no electricity while preserving the authentic essence of the festival. The flickering flame of a diya is symbolic of wisdom, divinity, and peace—values that no artificial light can replicate.
Gift-giving is another integral part of Diwali festivities, yet it often contributes significantly to waste. Instead of opting for plastic or electronic items that eventually add to landfills, we can choose handmade or natural gifts crafted from jute, cotton, bamboo, or wood. These not only promote sustainable craftsmanship but also make for meaningful and personalized presents. Even the wrapping can be made eco-friendly by using newspapers or brown paper instead of glossy, non-biodegradable plastic sheets. Children can enjoy wrapping gifts with colorful comic pages from old magazines, making the process fun and creative. Decorations, too, can be both elegant and environmentally responsible. Instead of using chemical-laden colors for Rangoli, we can create beautiful patterns with natural materials such as flower petals, turmeric, kumkum, coffee powder, or leaves. These are safe, biodegradable, and lend a fragrant charm to homes. Once the celebrations are over, these materials can easily be composted, enriching the soil rather than polluting it. Similarly, during the traditional pre-Diwali cleaning, rather than discarding old belongings, we can donate clothes, utensils, and toys to those less fortunate. Such gestures not only reduce waste but also bring joy to others, spreading the true spirit of sharing and compassion that Diwali embodies.
Children, undoubtedly, look forward to fireworks, and denying them completely can be difficult. However, a balanced alternative lies in choosing eco-friendly or green crackers, which are designed to produce less smoke and noise. These crackers are made with recycled paper and emit 30–40% fewer pollutants. While the Supreme Court has restricted the sale and bursting of traditional crackers due to their harmful impact, green crackers are a responsible option for those who still wish to uphold the tradition in a safer manner. Furthermore, it is wise to conserve electricity during the festival. Instead of keeping rows of electric lights switched on for hours, we can limit their use and allow diyas to take center stage. Not only will this reduce our energy consumption, but it will also help us reconnect with the original, spiritual essence of Diwali—one that celebrates simplicity, illumination, and togetherness. Likewise, indulging in homemade sweets rather than store-bought ones is both healthier and more meaningful, carrying the warmth and love of personal effort.
Over the years, the true essence of Deepawali has gradually eroded, giving way to materialism and commercialization. A couple of decades ago, the festival was a symbol of togetherness, affection, and collective joy, where relatives, neighbours, and friends gathered to celebrate with warmth and unity. The spirit of sharing sweets, lighting diyas together, and exchanging heartfelt greetings created bonds that strengthened communities. Sadly, in today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven world, this cultural intimacy has been replaced by a superficial display of wealth and luxury. Diwali has, for many, become synonymous with the purchase of expensive gadgets, vehicles, and branded commodities rather than the celebration of goodness and light. This commercial metamorphosis threatens to strip the festival of its cultural depth and emotional resonance. If this trend continues unchecked, Deepawali risks being reduced to a mere marketplace phenomenon - a festival of transactions rather than traditions, where the glow of diyas is dimmed by the glitter of consumerism.
Ultimately, celebrating a green Diwali is not about sacrificing joy but about redefining it. True celebration lies in awareness - awareness of our surroundings, our health, and our collective future. By choosing eco-friendly practices, we protect not only the environment but also the sanctity of the festival itself. Let this Diwali not merely light up our homes but also our hearts and minds. Let it ignite the spirit of selflessness, reminding us of the words of Swami Vivekananda, who said that those who live only for themselves are more dead than alive. By celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali, we honor both tradition and responsibility - ensuring that the light we kindle this season continues to shine brightly for generations to come. |
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