Deepavali meaning a ‘series of light’, we say, is the triumph of good over evil and of right over wrong. Traditionally, this festival widely celebrated in India across communities, is a time of family bonding, conversations and thinking beyond oneself.

Lamps are lit, sweets made, shared and savored, gifts exchanged and relationships nurtured.

However over the recent years, this auspicious day has also turned out to be a strain on living standards. Rather than goodness prevailing, there are signs of distress on the things that we value – people, animals and the environment.

Use oil Diyas instead of candles 

Diyas can be re-used multiple times and are made from earth-friendly material.

Make your rangoli with flowers, natural colours or rice flour

Kolams or rangoli was a way of sharing our food and life with insects and birds. Even today, in villages down south, the Kolam is made with either rice paste or dry rice flour and becomes a feast for ants and small birds.

Give a handmade gift

Enthusiastic about giving and receiving gifts? Choose gifts that are made from natural materials like a jute or cloth bag, cloth purse, a cotton kurta or saree.

Inculcate compassion in your children

A green Diwali is obviously one with no crackers. Many schools have taken the responsibility of educating children with the harmful effects of fire crackers that are available in India.

At www.Passion thats Green.com, in this article, An earth-friendly Diwali Dhamaka, are interesting, easy and fun ideas to have an earth-friendly Diwali Dhamaka. Stay inform about earth-friendly living.

Emmanuel van der Meulen