Diwali, which marks the victory of good over evil, calls for a celebration, equally important for us is to take care of our environment. Firecrackers and sparklers, when burnt, release air pollutants and toxic metals, contributing to already degraded air quality, especially in cities such as Delhi. To avoid further pollution, let’s opt for an eco-friendly Diwali. Instead of bursting crackers, we can light traditional earthen lamps or diyas. For decor, use seasonal flowers and leaves. To make rangolis, use natural colors such as rice powder, turmeric, flowers, petals, and leaves.
At Diwali get-togethers, we should use biodegradable plates, cups and glasses. Once the celebrations are over, we should segregate the waste and discard it responsibly.
The entire nation is decked up with fairy lights, candles and diyas to celebrate the festival of lights, Diwali. The auspicious occasion marks the victory of good over evil. It is also the day when Lord Ram, along with his wife Goddess Sita and his brother Lord Laxman, returned from their 14-year exile. This year, Diwali will be celebrated tomorrow, on November 12, 2023. With just a day left, one can hear the occasional bursts of crackers and the sky lighting up with fireworks. On the day of Diwali, people usually wear new clothes, exchange sweets and gifts, make rangolis and burst crackers. There is a section of society that is deprived of this joy due to their economic conditions. An organisation in Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh) is trying to bridge this gap by celebrating Diwali with the underprivileged ones.
Parivartan – The Change is a youth-driven non-governmental organisation (NGO). The organisation was established to bring a positive impact on children, women, society and the environment. They celebrate Diwali with the underprivileged children who live in slums and bring happiness in their lives. They also are responsible for educating them.
For the last seven years, Parivartan has been continuously working on various issues like educating the children of the slums, empowering women, protecting the environment, creating awareness of blood and eye donation and teaching traffic rules. There are more than 2,000 volunteers who are associated with the organisation; and they serve the society for free.
The organisation celebrates Diwali with underprivileged families and illuminates their houses by lighting up earthen lamps (diyas). They also provide education kits to the children for free. The CEO of Parivartan- The Change, Kapil Kumar said to Local 18 that the members of the organisation celebrate Diwali with those who cannot afford to even light a lamp in their house on Diwali. The organisation takes it upon itself and also distributes sweets, clothes, crackers, diyas, and oil. Along with this, they also distribute school bags, books and pens to the families, so they can help their children continue with their education. As per the CEO, on November 14, which is also celebrated as Children’s Day, the kids will be given crackers, kits and sweets so they can celebrate Diwali and Children’s Day at the same time.