As the festival of lights illuminates the skies throughout the world, there should be a growing consciousness to celebrate responsibly. Over the years, Deepavali has transformed from a nature-rooted festival to alarmingly high pollution rates, noise damage, and tonnes of waste covering our culturally rich heritage. The path back is simple — rediscovery instead of restriction. Here are ways to make better choices while decorating your spaces this festive season.
Smell
Fill your homes with the smell of flowers, essential oils, and the most comforting aroma of homemade food. Light incense sticks made from natural materials like sandalwood, jasmine, and rose over the store-bought air fresheners. These fragrances create lasting memories while ditching harmful chemicals. Nature’s aromatherapy for the win!
Sight
Saying no to crackers is most vital in the day and age we live in. Light up your spaces with handcrafted terracotta lamps with ghee or oil. This choice not only keeps our pets safer and secured but also lights up the homes of the local artisans, making the lamps with happiness. The golden ambiance created by these lamps is unmatched by any electrical lights available. Furthermore, the floral décor that adds colour to our lives while keeping the celebrations rooted to nature can’t be missed this Deepavali. Bamboo lanterns are a great addition to keep things chic. The steady, gentle light achieved using eco-friendly decorations creates a soothing visual treat.
Sound
The loud, harmful sound of firecrackers not just disturbs communities and aged people, but also terrifies animals. Choose the sound of classical ragas, conversations, and laughter over firecrackers. The human voice is the best music this planet has to offer, and it’s also the one our four-legged friends adore. From the sounds of the table and harmonium to the chime of the temple bells, create a soundscape that connects us to the spiritual significance of the festival. If not for anyone, do it for our wordless friends.
Touch
Deepavali is not just about rituals and firecrackers. A major part of this festival is the gifts! Choose handwoven textiles, plants, and earthen pots made by local artisans. Bring out the handwoven handlooms for your family’s special outfits too. From the texture of terracotta lamps on your palm to making rangolis with rice, haldi, and fresh flowers, experience Deepavali the traditional way. These changes help us be better citizens, better humans, and also keep us deeply rooted to the traditions that we seem to have lost in our otherwise modern lives.
Taste
There isn’t anything better than homemade food! And festivals are our excuse to indulge in them guilt-free. The aroma of slow-cooking meals and ghee from the sweets is what completes every Deepavali. Swap refined sugar with jaggery, get your dry fruits from the local stores over the app on your phone, and pick out fresh vegetables from street vendors close by. These small changes have an impact larger than one can fathom in the lives of those who aren’t as privileged as us monetarily. Lay the table over traditional fabrics adorned with flowers to make your space cohesive.
An eco-friendly Deepavali can make your space look just as spectacular without compromising on aesthetics. By choosing sustainable practices, we are creating a better world for our future generations. This Deepavali, let your celebration be a feast for all senses – naturally, meaningfully, and sustainably. Your community, your soul, and your pet friends would love you for it. Let there be light!