Lucknow is breathing a new air. I am getting a new sort of excitement as the festive season of Diwali nears. It is not only concerning the sweet candies, the new clothes, and family get-togethers. In the City of Nawabs, there is an effective, good change that is taking place. An increasing number of individuals are opting to make this festival of lights kind of a holiday that is not harmful to our planet.
In Lucknow this year, there is more support than ever via the movement towards an Eco-Friendly Diwali. I can read it in the domestic markets, I can hear it in conversation on the tea stalls, and I can touch it in the atmosphere of the community. By opting to adopt good habits instead of pollution and natural light instead of toxic smoke, we are rediscovering the real meaning of Diwali the triumph of the good over the evil and the light over the darkness.
Why is Eco-Friendly Diwali in Lucknow So Important?
Diwali is a season of great delight. But smoke the following morning of the festival blanketed many a year-long. The air would be made hard to breathe. The loud fireworks would frighten animals and be annoying to the elderly people and babies.
Consider the rich city heritage of our city, the lovely Bara Imambara, the calm Rumi Darwaza, the crowded Hazratganj. These historical buildings can be gradually destroyed by the smoke and pollution of fireworks. It is also injurious to our health and especially our lungs.
When it comes to deciding on a green Diwali celebration, it is not about ceasing the entertainment. It is concerned with making better decisions. It is not only about our health, our city, or our environment but about keeping them safe so that we can have a long way to go before we can truly celebrate more Diwalis than ever.
The Real Problem with Traditional Firecrackers
In order to get to know about the solution, we have to know about the problem.
- Air Pollution: Firecrackers emit extremely dangerous chemicals and small dust particles in the air. These are particles referred to as PM 2.5 and PM 10, which render the air quality very poor. Air Quality Index (AQI) in Lucknow tends to go to a severe level after Diwali. This is hazardous to all.
- Noise Pollution: The loud bangs of bombs and rockets are far louder than could be safe to our ears. This is the noise pollution that scares the birds, the straying animals and pets. It is also very anxiety causing to the senior citizens and patients in the hospital.
- Production of Wastes: The streets are covered with the used fireworks paper and plastic burnt after Diwali. This leaves an immense task to our sanitation workers to clean.
You may also read this :- Lucknow Diwali: Nawabi Traditions and Modern Festive Glow
How Lucknow is Embracing the Green Diwali Revolution
I am so proud to find my city on top. The demand of an Eco-Friendly Diwali in Lucknow is not the government, local shops, community groups, or even families like yours and mine.
Eco-Friendly Diwali in Lucknow Gains Momentum
The momentum is real! It is not just a collective of few individuals discussing it. It's a citywide movement.
The Surge of Green Diwali Awareness in Lucknow
Awareness is the first step to change. Local NGOs and student groups from schools and universities are organizing awareness campaigns for pollution-free Diwali. They are creating posters, sharing messages on social media, and talking to people in communities about the benefits of a green celebration.
I recently saw a wonderful rally organized by school children in Gomti Nagar. They held placards that said "Say No to Crackers" and "Celebrate a Safe Diwali." It was heartwarming to see the younger generation taking charge.
Your Guide to a Wonderful Eco-Friendly Diwali at Home
One of the most iconic things about Diwali is the decoration of our houses. We can use natural and reusable decorations as opposed to plastic and synthetic ones.
- Use Flowers and Leaves: To make door hangings (torans), flowers of the marigold (genda phool), and mango leaves (sab ras). They are pretty and seem to smell good!
- Nature rangoli: Use rice flour, turmeric, kumkum, flower, and even lentils in place of chemical based colors. You can just give it to the birds and animals after Diwali.
- DIY Diyas and Lanterns: Do it yourself! Use the old glass jars or tin cans to create hand made lamps. Draw upon them using vivid colors and put a diya in them. It looks magical.
The Best Eco-Friendly Gifts and Sweets for Diwali
Gifting is a way to show love. That is why we should give presents that are not bad this year.
- Organic and Homemade Sweets: Select sweet products prepared using organic ingredients of trusted local halwais. Or, better yet, make some sweets yourself as the family activity!
- Gift a Tree: Planting a miniature plant or sapling is an excellent sustainable Diwali gift. It is a blessing that can multiply and provide oxygen over the years.
- Donate to a Cause: As an alternative to another box of dry fruits, you can donate to your favorite animal shelter or an environmental NGO in honor of your loved ones. It is a gift of kindness.
Where to Find Eco-Friendly Diwali Products in Lucknow
The markets at Lucknow are accommodating this new demand. Stores that sell eco-friendly beautiful Diwali products are readily available.
- Paper and Clay Diyas: Find shops that are selling handcrafted diyas of natural clay. They are green and promote local potters.
- Natural Fiber Decor: Jute, cloth, and wooden decorations are also available in most of the stores in Hazratganj and the older section of the city.
- Local Artisans: Buy products of local artisans. It promotes the environment and the local economy
Conclusion: Let's Make Lucknow Shine the Green Way
The Eco-Friendly Diwali movement in Lucknow is not a hype. It is a wonderful and requisite development of our dear festival. We are not throwing away our traditions, we are improving them and making them stronger and more significant.
This Diwali, we should make a promise that we are going to be a part of this good change. We should stuff our houses with the diyas natural light, our hearts with lovingness, and our city with clean and fresh air. We should gather around to make Diwali a really happy, safe and green one. A Diwali we shall be thankful to in our days to come.
Lucknow: FAQs on how to rejoice Eco-friendly Diwali
Q1: Can one have fun without fireworks?
Absolutely! The Diwali entertainment lies in the company of family members, dining together, house decorations, and joint prayers. Fireworks are a short activity that is noisy. The actual Diwali celebration takes days and it is about being together and not explosions.
Q2: Do not eco-friendly products cost more?
Not necessarily. Boxes of fireworks are sometimes more expensive than clay diyas. The sources of natural adornments such as flowers and the ingredients of rangoli are quite cheap. Although certain environmentally friendly gift products may be more expensive, you are investing in quality and sustainability and this is a better long term investment.
Q3: What shall I do with the trash of my environmental-friendly Diwali?
This is the best part! Most of it is biodegradable. Leaves and flowers can be recycled. You can crush clay diyas and put it in your garden soil. The limited recyclable plastic wrappers of the gifts ought to be recycled. Your waste will be minimal!
Q4: What can I do to motivate my friends and neighbors to go green?
Lead by example! Make them realize how beautiful you have made your house using natural things. Take the